One hundred days of war, the Ukrainian health care system is under great pressure

After a hundred days of war, Ukraine’s health system is under heavy pressure, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has increased its presence, both in Ukraine and in countries hosting displaced Ukrainians, to help meet escalating health needs.

“This war has been going on for 100 days too long, shattering lives and communities and endangering the short-term and long-term health of the Ukrainian people,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “WHO is doing everything in our power to support the Ukrainian Ministry of Health and deliver basic medical supplies and equipment. But the only medicine that Ukraine needs the most is the one that the WHO cannot deliver – peace. We call on the Russian Federation to end the war. “

The war increased the need for health care while reducing the ability of the service delivery system, especially in areas of active conflict. By June 2, 269 confirmed health attacks had been recorded, in which at least 76 people were killed and 59 injured.

“In the 100 days of war in Ukraine, there were over 260 confirmed attacks on health care. These attacks are not justified, they are never ok and must be investigated. No healthcare professional should provide healthcare with a knife blade, but that is exactly what nurses, doctors, ambulance drivers, medical teams in Ukraine do, ”said Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director. for Europe.

“I have had the privilege of meeting many health workers during two visits to Ukraine since the beginning of the war. They maintain vital services and hope faced with incredible sorrow and suffering, and we welcome them, ”he added.

Some health facilities have been destroyed, while others have been overrun by people seeking help for trauma and injuries caused directly by the war. The WHO has set up hubs in areas close to the conflict, such as the Dnieper, to quickly reach areas of greatest need.

“WHO is committed to being in Ukraine now and in the long run – addressing immediate health challenges and supporting the reconstruction of the health system. We are redeploying teams across the country as access and security improve. ” said Dr. Jarno Habicht, WHO Representative in Ukraine. “Health – mental and physical – must be at the heart of Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction plans.”

To achieve this, the WHO has launched an updated $ 147.5 million call to support Ukraine’s growing humanitarian needs, provide emergency health care and help the health system remain resilient in the long run. Of that total, $ 80 million is needed for in-country support, such as drug distribution and the provision of vital health services, and an additional $ 67.5 million is needed to help countries that receive and host refugees, including Poland, the Czech Republic, Moldova and Romania.

The war caused a huge increase in psychological injuries and troubles. Nationwide, health professionals report that the most common request now is to help deal with insomnia, anxiety, sadness and mental pain. The WHO is working with the office of Olena Zelenska, Ukraine’s first lady, to develop a national mental health program that is accessible to all.

The WHO has responded to the changing health needs in Ukraine by increasing the number of staff and redesigning the system, including our logistics system. This has enabled the delivery of more than 543 metric tons of medical supplies and equipment to the country, which are distributed mainly to the eastern, southern and northern areas where needs are currently greatest. Supplied supplies include trauma surgery supplies, ambulances, Ukrainian fans that can continue to operate even when power is out, electric generators and oxygen equipment, including the construction of an oxygen plant to allow hospitals to operate autonomously.

Another major need is training to deal with the effects of war trauma, surgery on mass casualties, burns and exposure to chemicals. As of February 24, the WHO has trained more than 1,300 health professionals on these topics.

In addition, the WHO is working with the Ukrainian Center for Public Health to strengthen disease surveillance and laboratory diagnostics, and with local authorities to build back vaccination programs and basic health services. To complement the health care system, the WHO is also working with more than 40 emergency medical teams.