Attachments
FOREWORD
As a result of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine’s social and economic fabric is being stretched to breaking point. Its healthcare system in particular is being pushed to the brink, exacerbating the suffering of the population.
The overwhelming challenges facing the people of Ukraine continue to be gut-wrenching: more than 10 million forced to leave their homes – the majority being women and children – escalating gender-based violence (GBV) and an alarming rise in gendered poverty. One third of households led by women are struggling to feed themselves, and 60 per cent of older women cannot meet their basic needs. Alongside this, premature births are surging, and healthcare is becoming inaccessible for many. We face a dire shortage of personnel needed to provide critical services to the 2.5 million people that are anticipated to confront gender-based violence in the coming year, a crisis that is notably acute for displaced women and girls near the frontlines and survivors of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV).
Amidst this humanitarian crisis and ongoing devastation, we must remember that access to sexual and reproductive health is fundamental to everyone’s health and survival, and to the wellbeing of humanity. This human right must be safeguarded at all costs.
Last year, UNFPA worked with the Government of Ukraine and our trusted partners to bolster reproductive health and protection services across the country, reaching more than 850,000 people with services supporting reproductive health and GBV prevention and treatment.
Our initiatives extend beyond providing medical assistance; they offer lifelines to survivors of GBV, offering critical support services that include counselling, legal aid and safe shelters, especially for those affected by CRSV. UNFPA supports a network of more than 100 mobile teams offering psychosocial support work across the country, thanks to the dedication and efforts of our local partners. Our mobile health clinics bring necessary services to local communities, for example providing vital prenatal care to expectant mothers in areas where healthcare facilities are no longer operational, in some cases making the difference between life and death.
UNFPA wholly supports the Government of Ukraine and is committed to the well-being of every woman, girl and young person. We urge global solidarity from the international community to shine a spotlight on those in need, to call for peace, and to support Ukraine. Real lives are still in peril. Let this sombre moment serve to remind us of the women and girls whose lives continue to be imperilled by ongoing missile threats and attacks on essential infrastructure. But we should use it not just to reflect on the devastation but also to inspire action against the backdrop of a growing sense of apathy: during the war, childbirth continues, violence against women and girls increases, and essential reproductive health services, especially for women and girls, continue to be severely compromised. Young people deserve normality and stability. Our collective actions can ensure they receive the resilience services, mental health support and education they deserve.
We must reaffirm our commitment to a future for Ukraine where dignity, safety and equality are not just ideals but realities for all. Ukrainian women’s resilience amidst war is a beacon of hope. Their rights are non-negotiable. It’s time to amplify our support.
Massimo Diana, UNFPA Representative in Ukraine