Humanitarian aid for the healthcare sector in Ukraine
The Russian invasion has had catastrophic consequences for the Ukrainian health service. Hospitals and clinics have been destroyed, placing healthcare professionals in dangerous situations, and the need for medical help has grown immensely. Many Ukrainians are suffering from both physical and psychological trauma and vulnerable groups are particularly at risk.
Norway contributes through the Nansen programme, which supports humanitarian healthcare stakeholders such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Red Cross. These organisations work together to provide vital help. The programme also supports long-term health projects through the World Bank and institutional partnerships in which the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, A-hus, Sunnaas and RVTS East are strengthening the Ukrainian health service in the areas of antimicrobial resistance, mental health and rehabilitation efforts following major injuries.
In 2023, the Red Cross’ mobile units provided basic health services, including reproductive health and mental health services to over 100,000 people. WHO supplied medical equipment to 800 healthcare facilities, while UNICEF provided healthcare to 461,000 people. UNFPA opened 27 mobile clinics and one mobile maternity ward, which provided over 140,000 medical consultations within sexual and reproductive health (SRH).
Mental health is also a priority. WHO has provided training for 3,900 healthcare professionals and UNICEF has helped more than 1.4 million children by providing mental health care. UNFPA offers psychological counselling for men, which has helped to reduce gender-based domestic violence.
Winter brings new challenges. Experiences from last winter show the need for improved contingency planning and coordination with local authorities to ensure the continuous operation of healthcare institutions and effective responses throughout the colder months. Norway and its humanitarian partners are ready to face these challenges and continue saving lives in Ukraine.
