Further support for the Ukrainian healthcare system
Germany and Ukraine are continuing their close cooperation in the field of healthcare. This is one of the central themes of the Ukraine Recovery Conference (on 11/12 June 2024) in Berlin, which is dedicated to the long-term rebuilding of Ukraine in the wake of Russia’s war of aggression. The Federal Government has pledged financial commitments amounting to approx. 100 million euros, above all in the field of mental health.
Not only has Putin’s murderous war of aggression claimed the lives of many and left countless injured. The ongoing suffering, the loss of loved ones and these dramatic experiences traumatise entire generations. There are children in Ukraine whose very first memory is of bombs exploding. That is why we, as the Federal Government of Germany, strongly support the Ukrainian healthcare system in all areas, but particularly in relation to mental health. This strong and impressive country needs the prospect of a better future.
The ongoing war presents us with new challenges every day. The number of Ukrainians getting injured increases daily, both with visible and invisible injuries. These affect the psychological well-being of both military and civilians. As a state, we must provide an effective response to these challenges. Create all conditions for people to have every opportunity for effective recovery—both physically and psychologically. Recently, at the 77th World Health Assembly, a resolution was adopted whereby countries agreed to integrate mental health and psychosocial support into their emergency response systems. Grateful to Germany for the announced support today, as no medical system can cope with the challenges of war alone. Moreover, research indicates that war affects not only those directly in conflict zones, its consequences are felt much broader. The impact of russian military aggression against Ukraine is felt by every second person worldwide, and the impact of past century's military conflicts—by every third person. Therefore, mental well-being is one of the key issues for people's health worldwide.
The main projects at a glance
The Federal Government’s support to Ukraine comprises the following projects in particular:
- 65 million euros towards mental health and psychosocial support
- 12 million euros towards hospital partnerships, especially for telemedical care of Ukrainian patients
- 20 million euros towards healthcare institutions that specialise in women’s health
- Establishment of legal foundations for international telemedical projects
This support is complemented by financial commitments from additional international partners to improve healthcare.
Event info for 11 June 2024, 5.45 p.m. – 6.45 p.m.
During the course of the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2024), Prof. Karl Lauterbach will speak with his Ukrainian counterpart Dr Viktor Liashko and Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska as well as international partners about rebuilding the Ukrainian healthcare system and its future prospects.
The panel discussion on healthcare will shine a spotlight on existing and future support in the key areas of mental health and psychosocial support, rehabilitation and telemedicine.
The main aim of the URC2024 is to mobilise further international support for the recovery, rebuilding, reform and modernisation of Ukraine. A modern, integrated and resilient healthcare system is key to rebuilding.