The consequences in humanitarian terms of lack of respect for health services and failure to safeguard them in Latin America

INTRODUCTION

The security of the wounded and sick and of health-care workers, facilities and vehicles must be attended to and should be guaranteed in armed conflict and other violence. Yet violence against health‑care workers and their patients is a widespread and serious problem.

Despite the efforts that have been made by states and other institutions, there is still much to be done to ensure that the wounded and sick get timely health care and working conditions are safe enough to allow health-care workers to provide appropriate health care.