Ukraine’s health system braces for winter challenges

At the six-month mark of the war in Ukraine, the country’s badly affected but still resilient health system is taking stock of lessons learned in providing life-saving care with the support of WHO and partners as it prepares for a challenging winter ahead.

“Six months of war have had a devastating impact on the health and lives of Ukraine’s people, but despite many challenges, the health system has managed to survive and deliver care where and when it is needed most,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Though shaken, the health system has not collapsed. WHO continues to support the Ministry of Health of Ukraine to restore disrupted services, displaced health workers and destroyed infrastructure, which is essential not only for the health of Ukraine’s people, but for the country’s resilience and recovery. But no system can deliver optimum health to its people under the stress of war, which is why we continue to call on the Russian Federation to end this war. “

The WH, in a statement, said it has helped deliver more than 1300 metric tonnes of critical medical supplies in coordination with the Ministry of Health and partners, with more on the way. These include power generators, ambulances, and oxygen supplies for medical facilities.