The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) delivers impartial, neutral, and independent health care in armed conflict, protecting lives and dignity when health systems collapse. As the document states, the ICRC “acts resolutely to provide humanitarian assistance to whoever needs it most” and ensures that health care is never a casualty of war.
ICRC health action follows a continuum of care, from emergency response to long term recovery. This includes first aid, trauma care, primary health care, hospital support, mental health and psychosocial support, and physical rehabilitation. The organization emphasizes evidence based decisions, medical ethics, and collaboration with local health authorities.
In emergencies, the ICRC provides lifesaving trauma care, supplies, and referral pathways so wounded and critically ill patients receive timely treatment. When violence disrupts hospitals, the ICRC repairs infrastructure, maintains surgical theatres and generators, and ensures water, sanitation, and medical waste systems remain functional.
Primary health care remains essential even in conflict. The ICRC supports clinics to deliver maternal and child health, treatment of common illnesses, vaccination support, chronic disease management, and care for survivors of sexual violence.
Mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) is integrated across all levels of care. As the briefer notes, “armed conflict affects both physical and mental health,” and the ICRC provides psychological first aid, community based support, and integration of mental health into primary care.
Physical rehabilitation ensures recovery continues beyond hospital discharge. The ICRC provides prostheses, physiotherapy, and social inclusion support so people with life changing injuries regain mobility and independence.
War Surgery & Emergency Care (The Democratic Republic of Congo): At Fizi General Hospital, the ICRC ambulance system and surgical teams saved 14 year old Ebwela Liko after he was shot while fleeing fighting. His mother said, “I kept him in my thoughts while he was in the operating theatre.” Ebwela has already returned home, though he is sad he won’t be able to play football again.
Surgical Learning Hub (Bukavu): The ICRC’s Surgical Learning Hub strengthens local surgical capacity through simulation based training, telemedicine, and competency assessments. Over 120 clinicians have already been trained to manage weapon wounded patients.
Red Cross Field Hospital (Rafah, Gaza): Established with 14 National Societies, the Rafah Field Hospital provides trauma care, obstetrics, surgery, diagnostics, physiotherapy, nutrition, and psychosocial support. Since 2024, it has delivered 250,000 consultations, 19,200 physiotherapy sessions, and 1,200 surgeries.
Across all contexts, the ICRC works with protection, water and habitat, and economic security teams to address the broader determinants of health, while engaging authorities and weapon bearers to safeguard medical personnel, facilities, and patients under international humanitarian law.
Thank you for standing with us and supporting our work on the ground.
