International federation of nurses warns of dangers facing healthcare workers in Lebanon

By Melike Pala, Sumeyye Dilara Dincer

Howard Catton, CEO of the International Council of Nurses (ICN), voiced serious concerns over the escalating dangers facing healthcare workers in Lebanon, drawing parallels to the violence experienced by their colleagues in Gaza.

In an interview with Anadolu, Catton emphasized that healthcare professionals in Lebanon are feeling the same fears as those in Gaza, as the threat of conflict looms over their hospitals and health facilities.

"They have seen what has happened in Gaza, and, of course, they are fearful that this could be repeated in Lebanon," Catton said, stressing the need to prevent such devastation from spreading.

He underscored the urgency of ongoing discussions at the UN General Assembly in New York, where global leaders and international actors are gathering.

Catton emphasized that the international community must prioritize finding political solutions to prevent further harm to healthcare workers and civilians. "We cannot allow that to be repeated in Lebanon, which is why the meetings taking place now in New York are so important," he added.

- Horrific conditions for healthcare workers

Catton described the "horrific" conditions that healthcare workers in Gaza are enduring, painting a grim picture of the physical and mental toll on both patients and medical staff.

According to Catton, nurses in conflict zones like Gaza and Lebanon are dealing with horrific injuries, including complex fractures, amputations, and severe trauma from explosions.

"They are looking after ... people with injuries caused by explosions or those trapped in buildings, limbs that need to be amputated, loss of eyes, fractures, complicated bone fractures, and deep wounds as well," he said, adding that nurses are often forced to work in makeshift facilities with limited access to essential equipment and medication.

In addition to the physical toll, Catton highlighted the severe mental health strain on both patients and healthcare workers. "People who may have lost their entire family, their children, or their friends are deeply traumatized mentally, in addition to their physical injuries," he explained.

Nurses also face their own trauma as they continue to work under the constant threat of attack, often seeking shelter in damaged buildings and basements. "This trauma is not just for people who are injured and receiving treatment, but also for the nurses and healthcare workers who are just trying to do their job the best they can to bring healthcare and healing to people," he said.

- Attacks on healthcare facilities: A growing global concern

One of Catton's most pressing concerns is the alarming increase in attacks on healthcare facilities worldwide. He noted that these attacks have become more frequent and widespread over the past three years.

Although exact figures are difficult to confirm, it is believed that more than 1,000 healthcare workers, including nurses, have lost their lives in such incidents. The Palestinian Ministry of Health has reported the deaths of 260 nurses alone.

Catton criticized the normalization of these attacks, stating they are increasingly being used as part of military strategies.

"Many of the health workers say to us that what they're really worried about is the current situation … it's attacks on healthcare facilities, on healthcare workers. It feels like it's become normal, there's some normalization, and it's deliberate, so that health workers and health facilities are being attacked as part of a military strategy, which then creates fear and intimidation to discourage people from seeking healthcare."

He emphasized that these attacks are not only a violation of international law but also a direct assault on the principles of healthcare itself. Catton urged for thorough investigations and sanctions to address this escalating issue.

- Humanitarian aid falling short

In light of these attacks, the ICN has called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, as well as improved access to humanitarian aid, medical supplies, and essential equipment.

Catton expressed frustration over the slow pace of aid delivery, explaining that restricted access is leaving healthcare workers without the resources they need to save lives. "What we also need to see is much-improved access for humanitarian aid and for medical equipment and drugs as well," he said.

"The corridors, the passages through which aid is coming in are often restricted; it's slow. So that support is just not being received quickly enough or in sufficient quantities."

He warned that the shortage of medical supplies poses grave risks, particularly for those with chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Additionally, the lack of anesthesia and sterile equipment is making it increasingly difficult for nurses to treat traumatic injuries.

"Dreadful reports are coming in of nurses and health workers trying to do that with minimal or sometimes no anesthesia," Catton said, stressing that the absence of disinfectants and sterile supplies greatly increases the risk of infections, which can be life-threatening.

- Lebanon’s uncertain future

Catton expressed deep concern about the deteriorating situation in Lebanon, where the threat of Israeli attacks is creating widespread fear. He explained that obtaining reliable information from the ground has been difficult, but reports suggest that the uncertainty regarding where the next attack might come from is causing tremendous anxiety.

"The uncertainty of the situation is causing huge worry to people," he said. "They have seen what has happened in Gaza and, of course, are fearful that could be repeated."

In response, the ICN has sent a letter to world leaders at the UN General Assembly, urging them to find a political solution to prevent further harm to healthcare workers and civilians.

"When there is a political failure to maintain peace or to find a peaceful solution, it's nurses, health workers, and ordinary people who pay the price for that failure," Catton stressed.

- Türkiye’s contribution to global nursing expertise

In his remarks, Catton also praised Turkish nurses for their extensive experience in disaster response, particularly during natural disasters such as earthquakes. He highlighted that Turkish nurses have been advising the ICN on best practices in emergency nursing, not only for Türkiye but for the broader region.

"Turkish nurses have immense experience, which they have shared and continue to share with the world regarding disaster response," he said, adding that their expertise is invaluable in navigating both natural disasters and conflict situations.

Catton concluded by calling on all nations to invest more in healthcare systems and the nursing profession, noting that 90% of the world’s nurses are women. Investing in healthcare, he argued, is essential for economic stability, peace, security, and the promotion of women's rights globally.

*Writing by Gizem Nisa Cebi