Attachments
Highlights
WHO emergency programme in eastern Ukraine In response to the humanitarian crisis in eastern Ukraine, WHO and partners provide life-saving health services to conflict-affected populations on both sides of the contact line.
With the support of WHO:
• Over 150 health-care specialists working in conflict-affected areas improved their knowledge and skills on infection prevention and control.
• The Ministry of Health of Ukraine works on enhancing access to mental health care services in the country. Implementation of the WHO Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) will allow expansion of the provision of mental health services at community level.
• Thirty laboratory specialists are better prepared to improve the surveillance system and prevent disease outbreaks.
• Over 32 000 patients in conflict-affected areas will benefit from medical supplies for trauma care, surgery and blood transfusion.
Situation overview
After nearly five years of crisis in eastern Ukraine, millions of people on both sides of the contact line still need humanitarian assistance. A lack of trained health-care workers and appropriate health-care services can result in an increase in avoidable deaths, diseases and disabilities.
Martial law was introduced for 30 days in 10 regions of Ukraine on 28 November 2018, following a naval incident that occurred on 25 November near the Kerch Strait (between the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea). The Ministry of Health identified a list of health facilities which were ready to provide the necessary medical assistance in case of heightened hostilities. A reserve of beds, stocks of medicines, medical supplies and blood supplies was reported to be readily available. No changes in the provision of health-care services to the population were reported in the regions where martial law was introduced.