The number of security incidents affecting healthcare workers globally has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Incidents include the arson of COVID-19 testing facilities, the targeting of health workers on their way home from clinics, and violent responses to mask requirements.

The scale of the problem has been highlighted in an interactive web map. The user-friendly map aims to provide those concerned with the protection of health care with global insight into threats and violence against health care providers. This can then be used to support better protection measures. As such, the map promotes the aims of the Safeguarding Health In Conflict Coalition.

The map was developed by Insecurity Insight, a non-profit which works to examine threats facing those living and working in dangerous environments, and international humanitarian mapping charity MapAction.

It details 443 acts of pandemic-related violence and threats to health workers and services around the world since 1 January 2020, out of a total of 1,484 incidents. Because not all incidents are reported or recorded, the actual number is likely to have been significantly higher.

To create the map, MapAction’s volunteer team needed to consolidate the data available – which is often in indigestible formats and from multiple sources – understand the geographical context and visualise it. MapAction brought its considerable experience in humanitarian mapping, information management, and solution design to the project. The team ensured the information architecture is a stable platform that is easy to manage, while allowing for future adaptations and enhancements to be seamlessly integrated.

Christina Wille, Managing Director, Insecurity Insight, said, “We are working with MapAction to expand the map’s functionality and develop a similar tool for the education sector and other areas, as well as a map on security incidents affecting aid operations in Mozambique.”

The Mozambique aid security map is viewable here.