The surgical team of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), has supported the State Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri in performing lifesaving surgeries to 41 victims of the recent suicide attacks in Gwoza, Borno state.
In a statement, Deputy Head of the ICRC sub-delegation in Maiduguri, Ms. Diana Japaridze says the Committee is providing emergency treatment for people who were critically injured during the blasts including children and women.
According the statement, ICRC has also provided medical drugs and consumables to support the hospital’s emergency response.
“It is heart wrenching to see civilians killed and wounded, we strongly remind to all those involved in the fighting that civilians, especially children and women must be spared, and that hospitals must be sanctuaries of life, not scenes of deadly violence.” Diana stated
It adds that indiscriminate attacks and attacks targeting civilians are strictly prohibited under international humanitarian law.
“Healthcare facilities and personnel are also protected and must not be attacked. Attacks against hospitals have devastating humanitarian consequences, as these facilities are the only lifeline for sick and wounded”
Ms. Japaridze promised to continue to support civilians who are bearing the brunt of more than a decade of armed conflict including those displaced and injured.
DAUDA ILIYA
