The Humanitarian Podcast: First episode focuses on safe access to health care in Pakistan

The first episode of "The Humanitarian Podcast" breaks down the need for and the work and impact of the Health Care in Danger (HCiD) initiative of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The HCiD initiative addresses the issue of violence against patients, health workers, health-care facilities and vehicles and the need to ensure safe access to health care in armed conflict and other emergencies.

The traditional neutrality and respect accorded to health care has been repeatedly attacked and incidences of violence targeting medical personnel and health-care facilities are reported quite often.

– Dr Mirwais Khan, head of HCiD initiative in Pakistan

In Pakistan, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has been working closely with public health institutions, medical academia, health-care authorities and the Pakistan Red Crescent to safeguard health-care services by promoting evidence-based initiatives. These activities are supported by the advocacy efforts of the ICRC and its partners to bring legal and policy changes.

"The Humanitarian Podcast", an initiative of the ICRC in Pakistan, is a unique space to explore the opportunities and challenges surrounding humanitarian needs and initiatives in the country, through conversations about our work and the people we work with.

Watch this episode to find out more about why it is important to protect health care, its links to international humanitarian law (IHL) and the steps taken by the HCiD initiative to provide safer access to health care in Pakistan.