# Supporting Healthcare Workers on the Frontline of Conflicts: Comment on "Human Resources for Health in Conflict Affected Settings: A Scoping Review of Primary Peer Reviewed Publications 2016–2022"

## TL;DR

This article discusses the challenges faced by healthcare workers in conflict zones and emphasizes the need for both immediate and long-term support.

## Contribution

The article provides a reflection on key findings from a scoping review, highlighting the urgent need for strategic planning in conflict-affected healthcare.

## Key findings

- Attacks on healthcare facilities are a significant issue in conflict zones.
- Healthcare workers show resilience but require better support systems.
- Long-term strategic planning is essential for sustaining healthcare in conflict-affected settings.

## Abstract

The rising trend of conflict-related deaths, the repeated attacks on healthcare facilities, and violations of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) seen in recent conflicts are not only worrying but also deserve our collective attention and efforts. The scoping review on human resources for health in conflict-affected settings (CAS) from 2016 to 2022 by Onvlee and colleagues provides a timely reminder of the need for immediate relief and the longer-term support needed to provide healthcare in these extremely challenging settings. In this article, we reflect and elaborate on some of the key findings from Onvlee et al, including attacks on healthcare, the performance of healthcare workers (HCWs), and long-term strategic planning for the health workforce in CAS.