WHO supplies 20 ambulances to Ukraine

To support the urgent health needs in Ukraine, the World Health Organization (WHO) today provided the Ministry of Health of Ukraine with 20 ambulances for all terrains that can function even in the most damaged and inaccessible areas.

“We bring not only supplies, but also support based on your needs. Today we are handing over 20 ambulances, along with generators and blood coolers to hospitals wherever they are needed, ” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, handing over the keys to Deputy Health Minister Iryna Mykychak in Lviv, Ukraine. “But the most important thing we want to see is peace.”

“Today, as we consolidate our efforts with the WHO, we need to strengthen our national health care system. And these are very effective ways to support our doctors, who heroically provide medical care in Ukraine in difficult times. Today, we received modern off-road vehicles from the WHO to ensure medical evacuation. These ambulances can drive to the most important places available, even where the roads are most damaged, ”said Deputy Minister Mykychak as she reviewed a new addition to the ambulance team’s fleet. “We are infinitely grateful to all our international partners for such important and significant support to Ukraine. We have long worked with the WHO team in Ukraine, long before the war in health care reform in Ukraine. I am convinced that together we will provide the necessary support to the citizens of Ukraine and respond to health needs. We need peace. ”

Dr. Tedros is in Ukraine for 3 days in meetings with senior state leaders and to assess Ukraine’s current health needs. During that time, he toured health facilities damaged during the war and talked to health professionals who worked tirelessly, providing care by torchlight and eventually evacuating all patients when it became too dangerous to continue.

Two months after the war, Ukraine’s medical infrastructure was severely damaged by ongoing attacks on health care, and access to health care in many areas was severely affected. This donation of 20 ambulances will help provide vital care to save the lives of people in Ukraine and improve the timeliness and quality of health services of national emergency medical teams.

“WHO is committed to supporting people in Ukraine in accessing much-needed health services. The donation of 20 ambulances will bring life-saving care as health services in Ukraine are significantly expanded and access to health care remains a challenge for many people, ”said Dr. Jarno Habicht, WHO Representative and Head of the WHO Office. in Ukraine. “One of the health workers we spoke to recalled that in the days of constant shelling of their city, ambulances continued to operate even during curfew to ensure people received the care they needed. We are inspired by the courage of Ukrainian health workers and we hope that this donation will contribute to their work. “

The WHO has so far delivered 393 metric tons of emergency and medical supplies and equipment to Ukraine. Of that amount, 167 metric tons have reached their intended destinations, mostly in the east, south and north of the country where needs are greatest.

Notes to editors:

● Barely a week after the war in Ukraine began, the WHO launched a three-month appeal (March-May 2022) for $ 57.5 million to address the needs of 6 million people: $ 45 million for a health response in Ukraine and another $ 12.5 million for the health needs of the Ukrainian population affected by the conflict in neighboring countries. This is the first WHO appeal to respond to the ongoing war in Ukraine, which is fully funded.

● The WHO is a United Nations agency that brings together nations, partners and people to promote health, protect the world and serve the vulnerable – so that everyone, everywhere, can achieve the highest level of health. The WHO is leading global efforts to expand universal health coverage. We guide and coordinate the world’s response to health emergencies. We promote a healthier life – from pregnancy to old age. The WHO operates in 194 countries in 6 regions of the world, including a European region comprising 53 countries across Europe and Central Asia. WHO staff includes the world’s leading public health experts, bringing together doctors, epidemiologists, scientists and managers – all champions for healthier and safer lives everywhere.