As I conclude my sixth visit to Ukraine since early 2022, I want to emphasize a crucial and urgent message. Ukraine is facing its third winter in the midst of a full-scale war, which will likely be its most challenging yet. It is imperative that we prioritize the health of the Ukrainian people, with a renewed focus on response, recovery, and reform from the government, WHO, and donors.
The situation in Ukraine is dire, with close to 2,000 attacks on health facilities, workers, and patients confirmed by WHO. In the past six months alone, targeted attacks have damaged the country’s energy infrastructure, leading to frequent power outages. This not only poses a threat to the storage and distribution of vaccines, but also puts the population at risk for vaccine-preventable diseases.
Moreover, the lack of consistent power supply could compromise water systems, leading to an increase in water and foodborne illnesses. The absence of proper heating and ventilation systems during the winter could also contribute to a rise in respiratory infections, including influenza and COVID-19. Additionally, the ongoing war and humanitarian disaster have created a breeding ground for antimicrobial resistance (AMR), as wounded individuals may be receiving improper or excessive use of antibiotics. This could have far-reaching consequences beyond Ukraine if these life-saving drugs become ineffective.
To address these concerns, WHO and health authorities are working to install generators and other essential equipment at health facilities across the country. For example, we recently launched a heating unit at Chuhuiv Central Hospital in the Kharkiv region, which was severely damaged in 2022 and is located near the frontline of the war. This is just one of 15 heating units that WHO is installing in eight regions.
In the short term, Ukraine has made progress in tackling the threat of AMR by increasing the number of laboratories conducting surveillance on drug-resistant bacteria from three in 2017 to 100 currently. However, consistent monitoring is crucial, and I will be addressing this issue at the upcoming UN Global High Level Meeting on AMR in New York.
Another concern during the winter season is the heightened risk of mental health challenges. With the war approaching its third year, an estimated 10 million people are at risk of mental health problems, and the harsh realities of winter could exacerbate the situation. While the national mental health program, led by First Lady Olena Zelenska and supported by WHO, has been rapidly scaling up, the demand still far outweighs the supply.
In conclusion, it is imperative that we prioritize the health of the Ukrainian people, especially during this challenging time. The government must take immediate action to address the issues of power supply, water and food safety, and mental health, while also implementing long-term reforms to strengthen the healthcare system. The international community must also continue to support Ukraine in its efforts to provide essential healthcare services to its citizens.
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