As a global federation the safety of the anaesthesia workforce is paramount in our advocacy activities. The WFSA General Assembly approved the following statement during its meeting on 30 June 2024:
“The World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists (WFSA) is the largest global alliance of anaesthesiologists representing 141 active member societies in 150 countries. Our vision is universal access to safe anaesthesia, and our mission is uniting and empowering anaesthesiologists around the world to improve patient care.
A necessary condition to achieve our vision is for anaesthesiologists to have access to safe work environments in all locations and settings in which they practice, in times of peace and conflict alike. WFSA recognizes that the lack of access to safe anaesthesia care for patients in regions of conflict is a continuing concern.
The Geneva Conventions are international treaties that provide protection for the wounded and sick and safeguard the safety of medical personnel working in regions of armed conflict. WFSA firmly demands that the principles of the Geneva Conventions be upheld at all times. Ensuring compliance with international humanitarian law will enable anaesthesiologists to accomplish their mission, particularly in places where access to safe anaesthesia care is compromised by any type of attacks, natural disasters, and potential civil unrest.”
