Health workers, he added, face threats and attacks while doing their work, from kidnappings to homicides. These situations make access to medical care difficult, especially in areas of high violence.
Similar attacks were also reported in countries such as Colombia, Ecuador and Haiti, affecting the capacity of health systems. The situation is alarming, since communities are deprived of medical care.
The figures were announced at the III Regional Seminar on Protection and Respect for Health Care in Mexico City, which brought together more than 100 participants from 11 countries in the region to exchange experiences and strengthen cooperation.
The convening organizations, such as the Mexican Red Cross and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), asked regional governments to strengthen the protection of health workers.
In addition to guaranteeing their safety, which is, they added, essential to be able to provide medical care in areas affected by violence.
Olivier Dubois of the ICRC stressed that protecting health services is essential for the survival of the most vulnerable communities, warning that attacks on these services not only affect workers, but also disrupt a vital health care network.
Carlos Freaner Figueroa, president of the Mexican Red Cross, rejected any aggression against health personnel and called on the authorities to strengthen prevention measures and guarantee the safety of those who provide medical care in contexts of violence.
