The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) on Sunday in separate statements condemned the abduction and deliberate killing of seven health workers and a civilian at a local health center in southern Somalia.
Henrietta Fore, UNICEF executive director said these heinous attacks interfere with fundamental protections of the right to health and the perpetrators must be held accountable.
"These health workers were heroes, putting their safety on the line every day to provide lifesaving care to children and families.
Francois Madeira, AMISOM head of mission, said the health workers continue to provide much-needed quality healthcare as Somalia continues to face the challenge of COVID-19 pandemic.
He said the health workers are putting their lives on the line to save others in very difficult circumstances.
