Since hostilities between Pakistan and Afghanistan escalated late last month, several hundred Afghan civilians – including 104 children and 59 women – have been killed or injured.
The Pakistani government has denied that its forces attacked the facilities, insisting that they only attacked military targets.
Tens of thousands of people, mainly in the south and southeast of the country, have been displaced by the fighting.
In Pakistan, many have also been forced to flee their homes and schools have been closed.
The WHO is working to verify last night’s incident, Tedros said, but the escalating conflict is putting additional pressure on health systems and increasing risks to the health and well-being of vulnerable populations.
The escalation of hostilities between the Taliban and Islamabad has caused “At least six health centers were affected. in Afghanistan since the end of February,” he said.
“I urge all parties to reduce tension and prioritize peace and health. Peace is the best medicine.”
‘Total destruction’ scene
Thameen Al-Kheetan, spokesperson for the UN human rights office, OHCHR, said witnesses had described a “scene of total destruction” at the site, with hundreds of people searching for their relatives.
“Under international humanitarian law, civilians and civilian objects are strictly protected,” he said, emphasizing that the laws of war clearly state that any attack must comply with the fundamental principles of distinction, proportionality and precautions.
“International humanitarian law provides specific and enhanced protections for medical facilities..”
Call for repairs
The OHCHR spokesperson said the incident must be investigated promptly, independently and transparently and those responsible held accountable in accordance with international standards.
“Those results must be made public,” he said. “Victims and their families have the right to reparation.”
UN human rights chief Volker Türk reiterated his call for all parties to take effective measures to ensure the protection of civilians, in accordance with international law. He stressed the need to immediately end hostilities and for humanitarian aid to flow freely to those in need.