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Press Release
22 September 2023
UNOPS signs new Host Country Agreement with the government of Poland
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Press Release
21 September 2023
STATEMENT BY THE RESIDENT AND HUMANITARIAN COORDINATOR FOR UKRAINE, DENISE BROWN, ON INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
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Story
20 September 2023
Life Slowly Returns to a Destroyed Village in Southern Ukraine
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Latest
The Sustainable Development Goals in Ukraine
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Ukraine:
Press Release
20 December 2022
Ukraine: Humanitarian Coordinator allocates $20 million to support local organizations and volunteer groups at the forefront of the humanitarian response
“These groups have always been the backbone of the humanitarian response in Ukraine and even more since the war started in late February. They are in the front line, taking risks to make sure people whose lives have been torn apart by months of war receive support for their daily needs: water, food, medicines, shelter when their houses have been damaged,” explained Denise Brown.
The humanitarian community in Ukraine has had several meetings with these groups in different parts of the country. “The work they are doing is impressive. However, 10 months later, their resources are being exhausted and they need support to sustain their vital assistance to the people of Ukraine,” said Denise Brown.
With this new disbursement, OCHA-managed humanitarian funds will have allocated over $252 million for life-saving operations in Ukraine since the Russian Federation’s invasion started on 24 February, including $192 million from the UHF and $60 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). More than $55 million has been channelled to projects and organizations supporting hospitals, displacement centres and other critical facilities with generators and people with winter supplies, as Ukraine faces a severe energy crisis in the middle of the winter. “This wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of our donors. We thank them, on behalf of the humanitarian community and the people of Ukraine,” concluded Denise Brown.
***
Note to editors:
The OCHA-managed Ukraine Humanitarian Fund is the largest of the world’s 20 active Country-Based Pooled Funds (CBPFs), which are established when a new emergency occurs or when an existing humanitarian situation deteriorates.
Between 2019 and February 2022, the UHF allocated $24 million to 26 partners implementing 64 projects in the east of Ukraine, to support at least 1.25 million people in need of humanitarian assistance.
Since February, and with this new announcement, the fund has allocated nearly $192 million to support 109 projects of 56 partners including, 30 international NGOs, 18 national NGOs and 8 UN agencies. Some $44 million of the total allocations were channeled directly to national organizations.
Also since February, the UHF has expanded its partners’ base, increasing the number of eligible partners from 51 pre-war to 93 today, including 35 national NGOs.
For further information, please contact OCHA Ukraine:
Saviano Abreu, +380 50 422 3943, deabreuisidoro@un.org
OCHA press releases are available at www.unocha.org or www.reliefweb.int.
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Press Release
15 December 2022
UNDER-SECRETARY-GENERAL FOR HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY RELIEF COORDINATOR MARTIN GRIFFITHS REMARKS TO PRESS AT THE END OF HIS FOUR-DAY MISSION TO UKRAINE
Thank you, Prime Minister, thank you Denys, for receiving me. I was recalling that you and I met in this same building, many many months ago, early on in this war. And it is a great privilege for me to be back. Thank you very much indeed.
I was fortunate to visit Mykolaiv and Kherson earlier this week, and now also in Kyiv meeting the Prime Minister and other leaders, as well as humanitarian agencies. And I'd like to share a few conclusions from those visits and from those meetings.
Firstly, I was very impressed by the close partnership which the international humanitarian community, which is what I represent, has with your authorities, with your Government here. But also very importantly in the oblasts, the government of Mykolaiv and Kherson. I spent time with the mayors of those two cities, the heads of hromadas also. And that relationship is extremely strong, but it's very operational. Needs are identified. Aid is delivered.
And I want to thank you, in fact, for what everyone has been telling me from the humanitarian agencies, international and national, local, the fron- line partners, to thank you for the very, very constructive and open relationship we have, even in these extraordinarily difficult times where you all days are filled with decisions and tragedies. You have provided the time for our agencies and our partners to do that job. It is a huge thank you.
Since the beginning of the war, international humanitarian agencies have reached just under 14 million people with assistance, and we will continue to do so under your leadership.
But let me say a few things about Mykolaiv and Kherson.
We were in Kherson, as I said. The Governor was spending the day with us, the mayor, the people. We saw distribution sites for food, shelter, clothing, mattresses, all organized by local authorities, handing out these small bits of generosity to the people in their great time of difficulty. I was in a school where UNICEF has a child centre. And as we were there in Kherson, we heard the artillery coming closer to us. So the shelling, which is a daily phenomenon in Kherson, we heard that. And it's not that we were under threat, but we were reminded of these still uncertain lives and future of so many people, even in Kherson, where you have managed to regain so much of your territory.
We met in Mykolaiv, in a shelter provided by your Government to the displaced people from Kherson, some of these families. Some of them have been there for months, but some had recently arrived because their villages on the road between Mykolaiv and Kherson had been destroyed. And the following day we saw those villages, and they went back daily to try to restart their lives in those villages.
They didn't know when the reconstruction of their houses would happen, and it was a reminder of two things. One, you have an enormous challenge ahead to reconstruct the places where people live. But equally, you have people who want to go home, who are determined to go home. And that is a great value and a great tribute to your people.
Three things just three things which came across very strongly. And you mentioned them as priority needs. Number one, no surprise, is the electricity. I was absolutely stunned to see the degree to which electricity is the gateway to everything else. Without electricity, there's no warmth. The weather is getting cold. Without electricity, there are no medical services, there is no transport, there is no light.
And in many parts of Kherson there is very little electricity. So, the effort that you were making in Paris on the same day, Denys, that is, making the repair of energy infrastructure the absolute central priority is one that I saw how important it was to the people of Kherson. And the Governor of Kherson is trying to amend the electricity lines coming into his oblast and hoping that if they were repaired, that they would not be damaged again.
This issue is of central importance precisely because civilians suffer from the lack of electricity, civilians who should not suffer under international law in a conflict. That's the first priority.
The second is de-mining, and we talked about it just now. I was told, for example, that there are about half a million hectares of agricultural land in Kherson alone, which needs de-mining. You can't get the country back into production without de-mining. I think, as you were saying to me earlier, Ukraine is probably now the most mine-polluted country in the world. So the urgent international priority to the mine is one that we will also do what we can.
And then finally, this and we talked about it also. Even in war, people want to see a future, perhaps, particularly in war. And restarting elements of a local economy is a central priority for people. People want to go back to work. They want their children to go back to schools, they want transport to work. They want the economy to work, they want employment to happen. And I am one of those who supports you in your efforts to get that private sector back. Even now, even in places like Kherson, where the war is still going on with those people on the right bank are still being shelled every day, restarting, jumpstarting the economy, anything that we in the UN can do to support that effort – we’d happily do so.
Thank you very much.
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Press Release
26 August 2022
Secretary-General's remarks to the Security Council - on Ukraine
Mr. President, Mr. President of Ukraine, Excellencies,
Today marks a sad and tragic milestone – six months since Russia’s 24th of February invasion of Ukraine.
During this devastating period, thousands of civilians have been killed and injured, including hundreds of children.
Countless others have lost their family members, friends and loved ones.
The world has seen grave violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law committed with little to no accountability.
Millions of Ukrainians have lost their homes and their worldly possessions, becoming internally displaced or refugees.
With the onset of winter, humanitarian needs continue to rise rapidly with millions of people in need of assistance and protection.
As these needs skyrocket, it is imperative that humanitarian actors in Ukraine have safe and unhindered access to all people requiring assistance, no matter where they live.
Mr. President,
The consequences of this senseless war are being felt far beyond Ukraine. We are seeing new vulnerabilities emerge in a global environment already worn out by conflicts, inequality, pandemic-induced economic and health crises, and climate change – with a disproportionate impact on developing countries. The acceleration of already high food, fertilizer and fuel prices has triggered a global crisis that could drive millions more into extreme poverty, magnifying hunger and malnutrition, while threatening to raise the global humanitarian caseload to new highs and erase hard-won development gains. Vulnerable communities are grappling with the largest cost-of-living crisis in a generation and high commodity and transportation costs are having major repercussions for existing humanitarian operations. Mr. President,
Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo will brief the Council on the impact of the armed conflict in Ukraine, both inside and outside the country over the past six months. As I mentioned on Monday, I wanted to take this opportunity to provide a brief update on my recent travel to Ukraine. I would like to have been able to do the same yesterday based on my experience in discussions about Zaporizhzhia, but unfortunately I was out of New York with a [inaudible] planned that was impossible to change at such a short notice. My visit was an important opportunity to follow up on the landmark deal that has brought a measure of hope, especially to developing countries and millions of vulnerable people bearing the brunt of the global food crisis, some of them on the edge of famine. I can report to the Council that the Black Sea Grain Initiative, signed in Istanbul in July, is progressing well – with dozens of ships sailing in and out of Ukrainian ports, loaded so far with over 720,000 metric tonnes of grains and other food products. This deal would not have been possible without the constructive approach of both Ukraine and Russia and the efforts of the government of Türkiye. During my visit to Lviv, I met with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and Turkish President Erdogan. I thanked them for their continued engagement to support the implementation of the Initiative to ensure the safe passage of Ukrainian food products and fertilizers to those in need and to the world at large. I was filled with emotion visiting the port of Odesa and the Joint Coordination Centre in Istanbul. On my visit to Odesa, I went aboard a bulk carrier called the MV Kubrosli Y as it was being loaded with about 10,000 metric tonnes of wheat. It was deeply moving to peer into the hold of this cargo ship and see wheat pouring in. Even if in a limited way, the storied port of Odesa – which had been paralyzed for months – is slowly coming to life thanks to the Initiative. In Istanbul, I saw the WFP-chartered ship, the MV Brave Commander. It was proudly flying the UN flag with its cargo destined for the Horn of Africa where millions of people are at risk of famine. I then had the opportunity to walk up the long and narrow gangway of the SSI Invincible II heading to pick up Ukrainian grain in the port of Chornomorsk. The vessel will carry one of the largest hauls of grain leaving Ukraine to date – more than 50,000 metric tonnes. Mr. President,
Just a few weeks ago, much of this would have been hard to imagine. We are seeing a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved, in even the most devastating of contexts, when we put people first. As I stressed in Odesa and Istanbul, what I saw was the more visible part of the solution. The other part of this package deal is the unimpeded access to global markets of Russian food and fertilizers, which are not subject to sanctions. It is critical that all governments and the private sector cooperate to effectively bring them to market. Together with the task team led by Rebeca Grynspan, I will continue my intense contacts for that purpose. In 2022, there is enough food in the world – the problem is its uneven distribution. But if we don’t stabilize the fertilizer market in 2022, there simply will not be enough food in 2023. Many farmers around the world are already planning to reduce areas for cultivation for next season. Getting much more food and fertilizers out of Ukraine and Russia at reasonable costs is vital to further calm commodity markets and lower prices for consumers. I once again commend the parties for their engagement in this process and urge them to continue to build on this progress. I also renew the call I made in Odesa for a massive scaling up of support to the developing countries getting hammered by the global food crisis. The shipment of grain and other foodstuffs is crucial, but it won’t mean much if countries cannot afford them. Developed countries and International Financial Institutions must do more to ensure that developing countries can fully capitalize on the opportunities of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Mr. President,
Despite progress on the humanitarian front, fighting in Ukraine shows no signs of ending, with new potential areas of dangerous escalation appearing. Two places were ever-present in my mind – and in my discussions in Ukraine — Zaporizhzhia and Olenivka. I remain gravely concerned about the situation in and around Europe’s largest Nuclear Power Plant in Zaporizhzhia. The warning lights are flashing. Any actions that might endanger the physical integrity, safety or security of the nuclear plant are simply unacceptable. Any further escalation of the situation could lead to self-destruction. The security of the Plant must be ensured, and the Plant must be re-established as purely civilian infrastructure. In close contact with the IAEA, the UN Secretariat has assessed that we have in Ukraine the logistics and security capacity to support any IAEA mission to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant from Kyiv, provided both Russia and Ukraine agree. I welcome expressions of support for such a mission and urge that to happen as soon as possible. Mr. President,
I am deeply disturbed by the allegations of violations of International Humanitarian Law and violations and abuses of human rights related to the armed conflict. International Humanitarian Law protects prisoners of war. The International Committee of the Red Cross must have access to them wherever they are held. The United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine -- and the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine -- continue to monitor, document and report with a view to supporting the investigation of alleged violations. Work is also ongoing to deploy the recently established Fact-Finding Mission to Olenivka to look into the incident on 29 July. This mission must be able to freely conduct its work - to gather and analyze necessary information - and to find the facts. It is imperative that the mission has safe, secure and unfettered access to all relevant places and persons and to all relevant evidence without any limitation, impediment or interference. Mr. President, Excellencies,
On this 31st anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, I wish to congratulate the Ukrainian people. The people of Ukraine and beyond need peace and they need peace now. Peace in line with the UN Charter. Peace in line with international law. Thank you.
The consequences of this senseless war are being felt far beyond Ukraine. We are seeing new vulnerabilities emerge in a global environment already worn out by conflicts, inequality, pandemic-induced economic and health crises, and climate change – with a disproportionate impact on developing countries. The acceleration of already high food, fertilizer and fuel prices has triggered a global crisis that could drive millions more into extreme poverty, magnifying hunger and malnutrition, while threatening to raise the global humanitarian caseload to new highs and erase hard-won development gains. Vulnerable communities are grappling with the largest cost-of-living crisis in a generation and high commodity and transportation costs are having major repercussions for existing humanitarian operations. Mr. President,
Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo will brief the Council on the impact of the armed conflict in Ukraine, both inside and outside the country over the past six months. As I mentioned on Monday, I wanted to take this opportunity to provide a brief update on my recent travel to Ukraine. I would like to have been able to do the same yesterday based on my experience in discussions about Zaporizhzhia, but unfortunately I was out of New York with a [inaudible] planned that was impossible to change at such a short notice. My visit was an important opportunity to follow up on the landmark deal that has brought a measure of hope, especially to developing countries and millions of vulnerable people bearing the brunt of the global food crisis, some of them on the edge of famine. I can report to the Council that the Black Sea Grain Initiative, signed in Istanbul in July, is progressing well – with dozens of ships sailing in and out of Ukrainian ports, loaded so far with over 720,000 metric tonnes of grains and other food products. This deal would not have been possible without the constructive approach of both Ukraine and Russia and the efforts of the government of Türkiye. During my visit to Lviv, I met with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and Turkish President Erdogan. I thanked them for their continued engagement to support the implementation of the Initiative to ensure the safe passage of Ukrainian food products and fertilizers to those in need and to the world at large. I was filled with emotion visiting the port of Odesa and the Joint Coordination Centre in Istanbul. On my visit to Odesa, I went aboard a bulk carrier called the MV Kubrosli Y as it was being loaded with about 10,000 metric tonnes of wheat. It was deeply moving to peer into the hold of this cargo ship and see wheat pouring in. Even if in a limited way, the storied port of Odesa – which had been paralyzed for months – is slowly coming to life thanks to the Initiative. In Istanbul, I saw the WFP-chartered ship, the MV Brave Commander. It was proudly flying the UN flag with its cargo destined for the Horn of Africa where millions of people are at risk of famine. I then had the opportunity to walk up the long and narrow gangway of the SSI Invincible II heading to pick up Ukrainian grain in the port of Chornomorsk. The vessel will carry one of the largest hauls of grain leaving Ukraine to date – more than 50,000 metric tonnes. Mr. President,
Just a few weeks ago, much of this would have been hard to imagine. We are seeing a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved, in even the most devastating of contexts, when we put people first. As I stressed in Odesa and Istanbul, what I saw was the more visible part of the solution. The other part of this package deal is the unimpeded access to global markets of Russian food and fertilizers, which are not subject to sanctions. It is critical that all governments and the private sector cooperate to effectively bring them to market. Together with the task team led by Rebeca Grynspan, I will continue my intense contacts for that purpose. In 2022, there is enough food in the world – the problem is its uneven distribution. But if we don’t stabilize the fertilizer market in 2022, there simply will not be enough food in 2023. Many farmers around the world are already planning to reduce areas for cultivation for next season. Getting much more food and fertilizers out of Ukraine and Russia at reasonable costs is vital to further calm commodity markets and lower prices for consumers. I once again commend the parties for their engagement in this process and urge them to continue to build on this progress. I also renew the call I made in Odesa for a massive scaling up of support to the developing countries getting hammered by the global food crisis. The shipment of grain and other foodstuffs is crucial, but it won’t mean much if countries cannot afford them. Developed countries and International Financial Institutions must do more to ensure that developing countries can fully capitalize on the opportunities of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Mr. President,
Despite progress on the humanitarian front, fighting in Ukraine shows no signs of ending, with new potential areas of dangerous escalation appearing. Two places were ever-present in my mind – and in my discussions in Ukraine — Zaporizhzhia and Olenivka. I remain gravely concerned about the situation in and around Europe’s largest Nuclear Power Plant in Zaporizhzhia. The warning lights are flashing. Any actions that might endanger the physical integrity, safety or security of the nuclear plant are simply unacceptable. Any further escalation of the situation could lead to self-destruction. The security of the Plant must be ensured, and the Plant must be re-established as purely civilian infrastructure. In close contact with the IAEA, the UN Secretariat has assessed that we have in Ukraine the logistics and security capacity to support any IAEA mission to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant from Kyiv, provided both Russia and Ukraine agree. I welcome expressions of support for such a mission and urge that to happen as soon as possible. Mr. President,
I am deeply disturbed by the allegations of violations of International Humanitarian Law and violations and abuses of human rights related to the armed conflict. International Humanitarian Law protects prisoners of war. The International Committee of the Red Cross must have access to them wherever they are held. The United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine -- and the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine -- continue to monitor, document and report with a view to supporting the investigation of alleged violations. Work is also ongoing to deploy the recently established Fact-Finding Mission to Olenivka to look into the incident on 29 July. This mission must be able to freely conduct its work - to gather and analyze necessary information - and to find the facts. It is imperative that the mission has safe, secure and unfettered access to all relevant places and persons and to all relevant evidence without any limitation, impediment or interference. Mr. President, Excellencies,
On this 31st anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, I wish to congratulate the Ukrainian people. The people of Ukraine and beyond need peace and they need peace now. Peace in line with the UN Charter. Peace in line with international law. Thank you.
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Story
20 September 2023
Life Slowly Returns to a Destroyed Village in Southern Ukraine
“Blackberries grew in front of my house and local children constantly ate them. Now the blackberries are drying up and no one touches them. This makes me very sad,” he said during an interview with UN human rights monitors.
As invading Russian troops rolled into Ukraine’s south-eastern Kherson region in the spring of 2022, Ivan’s spacious two-story house took several direct hits. One rocket landed in the kitchen while at least three more struck the back yard, entirely destroying the pear orchard that he had proudly planted and cared for.
“I built the house with my own hands and fixed everything around it,” he recalled. “I welded it myself,” he pointed to the shrapnel-ridden iron sheet fence, “and I thought that if not for several generations, then it would definitely last for my lifetime. But you see how it turned out.”
Nearly every building in Posad-Pokrovske was damaged; the school and the kindergarten lie in ruins. Yet despite the widespread destruction, Ivan says that families have started to come back, many of them with small children: “This is their home.”
According to UN human rights monitors, the village saw intense fighting, resulting in an exceptionally high level of destruction. On a recent visit, UN staff saw that the site where the school once stood was cleared of rubble in preparation for a new construction. There were other signs that rebuilding had started in Posad-Pokrovske, even though it was not immediately clear how many residents have returned so far.
Documenting destruction of civilian infrastructure is one of the tasks of the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine which also monitors other violations of international human rights and humanitarian law. The latest finding on this topic is included in the periodic report on the human rights situation issued in March 2023. Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine launched in February 2022 has had a devastating effect on virtually all aspects of human rights across Ukraine with civilians like Ivan and other residents of Posad-Pokrovske often paying the highest price.
The work of human rights officers from the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine is to speak with victims and witnesses and document their stories. These testimonies form the basis of our regular reports that are presented to decision-makers and the public. The next periodic report on the human rights situation in Ukraine, covering the 6-month period, will be released in early October.
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Story
06 September 2023
Development despite the war
Published by UKRINFORM, 6 September 2023
The polyclinic department of City Hospital No. 8 in Odesa will be able to receive a third more patients after the reconstruction carried out with the support of UNDP. The project of reconstruction of the polyclinic building of city hospital No. 8 in Odesa was implemented within the framework of the financial agreement between Ukraine and the European Investment Bank (EIB). Support was provided by the United Nations Development Program in Ukraine (UNDP). Ukrinform correspondents learned how the work of the medical institution changed after that. THEY DID NOT BELIEVE THAT SUCH CHANGES WERE POSSIBLE DURING THE WAR Polyclinic building of city hospital No. 8 in Odesa was built in 1964. Since then, it has not been overhauled. The hospital, which has always been famous for its highly qualified specialists, received more and more patients from year to year. Therefore, the hospital's inpatient facility was moved to a separate four-story building in 1984. And hands reached the polyclinic only in 2016, when a plan for its reconstruction was developed. A year later, the project was supported by UNDP in Ukraine. About one million euros were needed for its implementation, of which the EIB provided 600,000, the rest was contributed by the city. Reconstruction began in 2020. As explained by the head doctor Maria Bobkova, the premises of the polyclinic were renovated with the funds of the EIB, and new furniture was purchased with the money allocated by the local authorities. "At first, the repair dates were delayed due to the coronavirus, then due to the full-scale war. But on July 4 of this year, the renovated polyclinic opened its doors to the residents of Odessa. We have a completely different, modern department. Although many did not believe that such changes were possible during the war," says Bobkova. According to her, the department was replanned for rational use of space. The foundation of the building was strengthened, and special staff rooms were arranged in the basement. Engineering communications, ventilation and power supply systems were replaced, which is extremely important for the hospital. They also insulated the facade, covered the roof, replaced windows, doors, and the floor. Hospital staff are trained by last year's experience, so they are preparing for possible blackouts this winter. A powerful generator has already been installed in the inpatient department, and a similar one should appear in the polyclinic in the near future. Soon, they plan to open a trauma center with a modern X-ray room, which Odesa has been waiting for for a long time. "Lead plates are coming from Poland for the X-ray room. The opening of a communal trauma center in a hospital is extremely important. After all, up to 300,000 people live in our Kyiv region - approximately the same number as in Cherkasy. The trauma center will work around the clock," Bobkova said. A functional diagnostics room should also be opened in the polyclinic. THE NEEDS OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES ARE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT In front of the entrance to the polyclinic, a special lift was installed, which replaced the old inconvenient ramp. Wide doors allow people in wheelchairs to enter the hospital without obstacles. On the first floor there is a special toilet. An examination chair, designed taking into account the needs of people with disabilities, was installed in the gynecologist's office. "I have regular patients in carts. After the reconstruction, it is convenient for them to visit the polyclinic, in particular, the gynecological office. When we remember the conditions under which we worked before, our hair stands on end," says doctor Andrii Ambrosiichuk. Other offices, in particular the procedure room, were also arranged in such a way that people with disabilities were comfortable. "We have been waiting for repairs for more than 30 years. And here they have done so much, they have completely updated the office," says procedure nurse Lyudmyla Sedunova. THE MEDICAL FACILITY CAN SERVE OVER 300 PATIENTS DAILY Pavlo Berdov, a trauma surgeon, says that the surgery room was completely redesigned. "We also have two full dressing rooms and a plastering room at our disposal. New equipment was installed everywhere. Working in such conditions is a step into the future," says Berdov. He has been working in Odessa since June last year. Together with his family, he evacuated from Kherson. At the end of April, he left the then-occupied city under mortar fire from the Russians. The doctor says that he chose Odessa for a reason: he loves the sea very much. He says that he plans to stay here with his relatives. The polyclinic also has such doctors as a therapist, an otolaryngologist, a cardiologist, a gastroenterologist, an endocrinologist, an ophthalmologist, a gynecologist, and a urologist. There is also a family medicine clinic and a laboratory where, in particular, complex biochemical blood tests are carried out. The medical facility can currently serve more than 300 patients daily, which is a third more than before the reconstruction. "We are finishing repairs in traumatology, X-ray office. But most of the specialists in the polyclinic are already providing services. The most popular specialists in the summer were a surgeon and an otolaryngologist. It became comfortable for doctors to work. And the patients who have been visiting our facility for years and remember its condition are simply delighted," says Maria Bobkova. The Emergency Loan Program for the Recovery of Ukraine (UERP) is a multi-sector framework loan of the European Investment Bank in the amount of 200 million euros. Thanks to such an initiative, local authorities have the opportunity to restore social infrastructure, improve the living conditions of internally displaced persons and the communities that host them. Within the framework of the program, more than 100 objects of education, health care, social housing and other important social infrastructure in Ukraine have already been successfully repaired. These are Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhya, Poltava, Odesa, Kherson and Kyiv regions. The program is implemented by the Ministry of Reconstruction, the Ministry of Finance and local self-government bodies with the technical support of UNDP.
Anna Bodrova, Odesa
Photo by Nina Lyashonok
The polyclinic department of City Hospital No. 8 in Odesa will be able to receive a third more patients after the reconstruction carried out with the support of UNDP. The project of reconstruction of the polyclinic building of city hospital No. 8 in Odesa was implemented within the framework of the financial agreement between Ukraine and the European Investment Bank (EIB). Support was provided by the United Nations Development Program in Ukraine (UNDP). Ukrinform correspondents learned how the work of the medical institution changed after that. THEY DID NOT BELIEVE THAT SUCH CHANGES WERE POSSIBLE DURING THE WAR Polyclinic building of city hospital No. 8 in Odesa was built in 1964. Since then, it has not been overhauled. The hospital, which has always been famous for its highly qualified specialists, received more and more patients from year to year. Therefore, the hospital's inpatient facility was moved to a separate four-story building in 1984. And hands reached the polyclinic only in 2016, when a plan for its reconstruction was developed. A year later, the project was supported by UNDP in Ukraine. About one million euros were needed for its implementation, of which the EIB provided 600,000, the rest was contributed by the city. Reconstruction began in 2020. As explained by the head doctor Maria Bobkova, the premises of the polyclinic were renovated with the funds of the EIB, and new furniture was purchased with the money allocated by the local authorities. "At first, the repair dates were delayed due to the coronavirus, then due to the full-scale war. But on July 4 of this year, the renovated polyclinic opened its doors to the residents of Odessa. We have a completely different, modern department. Although many did not believe that such changes were possible during the war," says Bobkova. According to her, the department was replanned for rational use of space. The foundation of the building was strengthened, and special staff rooms were arranged in the basement. Engineering communications, ventilation and power supply systems were replaced, which is extremely important for the hospital. They also insulated the facade, covered the roof, replaced windows, doors, and the floor. Hospital staff are trained by last year's experience, so they are preparing for possible blackouts this winter. A powerful generator has already been installed in the inpatient department, and a similar one should appear in the polyclinic in the near future. Soon, they plan to open a trauma center with a modern X-ray room, which Odesa has been waiting for for a long time. "Lead plates are coming from Poland for the X-ray room. The opening of a communal trauma center in a hospital is extremely important. After all, up to 300,000 people live in our Kyiv region - approximately the same number as in Cherkasy. The trauma center will work around the clock," Bobkova said. A functional diagnostics room should also be opened in the polyclinic. THE NEEDS OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES ARE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT In front of the entrance to the polyclinic, a special lift was installed, which replaced the old inconvenient ramp. Wide doors allow people in wheelchairs to enter the hospital without obstacles. On the first floor there is a special toilet. An examination chair, designed taking into account the needs of people with disabilities, was installed in the gynecologist's office. "I have regular patients in carts. After the reconstruction, it is convenient for them to visit the polyclinic, in particular, the gynecological office. When we remember the conditions under which we worked before, our hair stands on end," says doctor Andrii Ambrosiichuk. Other offices, in particular the procedure room, were also arranged in such a way that people with disabilities were comfortable. "We have been waiting for repairs for more than 30 years. And here they have done so much, they have completely updated the office," says procedure nurse Lyudmyla Sedunova. THE MEDICAL FACILITY CAN SERVE OVER 300 PATIENTS DAILY Pavlo Berdov, a trauma surgeon, says that the surgery room was completely redesigned. "We also have two full dressing rooms and a plastering room at our disposal. New equipment was installed everywhere. Working in such conditions is a step into the future," says Berdov. He has been working in Odessa since June last year. Together with his family, he evacuated from Kherson. At the end of April, he left the then-occupied city under mortar fire from the Russians. The doctor says that he chose Odessa for a reason: he loves the sea very much. He says that he plans to stay here with his relatives. The polyclinic also has such doctors as a therapist, an otolaryngologist, a cardiologist, a gastroenterologist, an endocrinologist, an ophthalmologist, a gynecologist, and a urologist. There is also a family medicine clinic and a laboratory where, in particular, complex biochemical blood tests are carried out. The medical facility can currently serve more than 300 patients daily, which is a third more than before the reconstruction. "We are finishing repairs in traumatology, X-ray office. But most of the specialists in the polyclinic are already providing services. The most popular specialists in the summer were a surgeon and an otolaryngologist. It became comfortable for doctors to work. And the patients who have been visiting our facility for years and remember its condition are simply delighted," says Maria Bobkova. The Emergency Loan Program for the Recovery of Ukraine (UERP) is a multi-sector framework loan of the European Investment Bank in the amount of 200 million euros. Thanks to such an initiative, local authorities have the opportunity to restore social infrastructure, improve the living conditions of internally displaced persons and the communities that host them. Within the framework of the program, more than 100 objects of education, health care, social housing and other important social infrastructure in Ukraine have already been successfully repaired. These are Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhya, Poltava, Odesa, Kherson and Kyiv regions. The program is implemented by the Ministry of Reconstruction, the Ministry of Finance and local self-government bodies with the technical support of UNDP.
Anna Bodrova, Odesa
Photo by Nina Lyashonok
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Story
31 July 2023
Every fifth person in Ukraine has problems with access to essential medicines - Dr. Jarno Habicht, WHO Representative in Ukraine
Interview to UKRINFORM, as of 26 July 2023
According to the World Health Organization, more than 1,000 attacks on the Ukrainian healthcare system have taken place since the beginning of the full-scale war, which is a violation of international humanitarian law. As of today, 1067 attacks on the healthcare system have been verified: 952 attacks on medical facilities were carried out, 74 medical workers and 27 patients were injured, and 124 medical vehicles were damaged. This is the highest number of attacks WHO has ever recorded in any humanitarian emergency. Attacks on the healthcare system have also led to the closure of pharmacies. Every fifth person in the country has problems with access to essential medicines, while in the areas of occupation and active conflict - every third. So, what is the situation with medicines in Ukraine? What is the situation in the temporarily occupied territories? What epidemics threaten Ukraine because of Russia's full-scale war? Jarno Habicht, WHO Representative in Ukraine, spoke about these issues, as well as about WHO educational programs and initiatives to train Ukrainian doctors and work in wartime, in an interview with Ukrinform. THE WAR IN UKRAINE HAS PROVOKED AN UNPRECEDENTED HUMANITARIAN CRISIS - Over the past 15 months of the full-scale war in Ukraine, more than 1,000 strikes on the healthcare system have been recorded. How can Russia be forced to stop such attacks and compensate for the damage? What mechanisms does the WHO have? - This is the highest number of attacks WHO has ever recorded in any humanitarian emergency. The war in Ukraine has brought immense challenges to the lives of all Ukrainians, triggering a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented scale. It is very important that there is an official platform for reporting attacks on health and the methodology in place for all the attacks not to be unnoticed and it is the only source that goes to UN Security Council. Can you imagine that without this platform everyone can report attacks on health in the way they understand it and to what level off mess and probable misinformation it could lead? Here WHO’s role is to verify that attacks on healthcare have occurred to highlight their impact on people in the community and their access to health services. Other bodies within the United Nations system such as the Security Council, or mechanisms such as the International Criminal Court, have the mandate to investigate attacks on health care and WHO cooperates with them where appropriate and following established procedures. - What is the situation with medicines in Ukraine? What is lacking the most? Do you know about the situation in the temporarily occupied territories? - As I have seen including during recent visits close to the frontline and other war-damaged zones – attacks on health have profoundly impacted the population’s access to essential health services and medicines in addition to the closure of pharmacies. One in five people throughout the country is struggling to access essential medicines, while in areas of occupation and active conflict, that number increases to one in three. Despite significant improvement from the early days of full-scale invasion, high price of medicine and availability remains to be barriers to get necessary medicine, households reported pain, heart and high blood pressure-related are the top three medicines that as they couldn’t get. WHO health needs assessment revealed that the proportion of those who had difficulty with the rising cost of the medicines increased, also only 7% of respondents reporting that they were unable to obtain the necessary medicines in April 2023 compering to 22% in September 2022. From financial protection studies we also know that medicines are a major driver of financial hardship for Ukrainians and are a major cause of out-of-pocket spending of the population. It’s important to involve all actors to cooperation, such as pharmacies which are mostly private in Ukraine – but their recovery and re-launch of operations, especially in areas recently re-taken under the control of Government of Ukraine, is crucial for population to be able to access medicines, including through governmentally-funded Affordable Medicines Programme. Also WHO organized number of convoys and donations to newly-accessible and Ukraine government controlled affected areas with medicines, supplies for emergency care ensuring that health facilities continue to deliver life-saving and essential health services. WHO has delivered about 3300 metric tonnes of medical supplies to Ukraine since 24 February 2022. - Please tell us about the consequences of the Kakhovka dam explosion. What will happen to water supply, the environment, and infections? - The tragedy at the Kakhovka Dam caused mass destruction and human suffering, significant damage to infrastructure and the environment. Some areas are left with no electricity or potable water. As the Kakhovka reservoir served as a crucial water source for numerous major and smaller cities located to the north, west, and south of the country, the destruction of the dam has disrupted or contaminated the water supply in all these regions with the risk of waterborne diseases. The flooding is occurring in a highly industrialized zone with chemical release into water, which could result in contamination and severe impact on people and animals for several years with heightened risk of waterborne diseases, including cholera, diarrhea, and others. WHO supports authorities and health workers prevent water-borne diseases and working to monitor for possible disease outbreaks since the first day after an accident. Our team provided cholera kits to Kherson and neighboring oblasts as it have proven to be invaluable in the current situation. Other medical goods also delivered to 4 hospitals to provide care for about 11 000 patients for several months to support generic needs, trauma and surgery, and also to treat the common childhood illness. These was done under weekly UN interagency convoys and our own missions to reach the most affected areas. Our team also helps MOH and Center for disaster medicine to coordinate more than 100 healthcare volunteers joined Kherson and Mykolaiv regions affected by the accident who will receive compensation for additional expenses, in addition to their salaries. Also lasting mental health impacts on affected communities is one of risks we need to address jointly with MOH and partners. To assess the growing mental health needs, WHO conducted mission to Mykolaiv Oblast to visit primary health care centers, IDP centers and a psychiatric hospital. Preliminary finding of the assessment indicates that residents of the Kherson region living in IDP centers need more psychological and psychosocial support. Interviewed IDPs note anxiety, frequent mood swings, and sleep disturbances. The support assistance from WHO side to this emergency continues. THE NEED FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT SERVICES IN UKRAINE IS HIGH - What are the WHO educational programs and initiatives to train Ukrainian doctors? How do you work in a time of war? How does the WHO help, has it managed to attract specialists to work in Ukraine? - Since the start of the war, WHO has supported the Ministry of Health to build the capacity of around 10,000 health care workers on a range of topics including mental health; trauma and rehabilitation; mass casualties; chemical exposure; infectious diseases; and outbreak detection and control engaging international and national trainers. As well WHO reached more than 1200 healthcare trainees in Ukraine in a series of webinars on clinical management and medical staff safety in relation to Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) events. Then trainers have the possibility to share their knowledge with healthcare workers all over the country. Additionally, 726 EMS first responders and clinicians from referral hospitals in 11 oblasts were trained in chemical protection, decontamination and treatment. So we have quite a busy schedule with trainings sharing best practices in various oblasts for Ukrainian healthcare workers were able to upgrade the skills during this challenging time to save people`s life and health. - How do you provide psychological assistance to Ukrainian doctors and patients? - According to WHO global estimates, one in five people (22%) living in an area affected by conflict at any time during the previous 10-year period is estimated to have some form of mental health condition. Applying these estimates to the population of Ukraine would mean that approximately 10 million people may have a mental health condition.These lead to the conclusion that needs for mental health and psychosocial support services in Ukraine are high. To meet these needs, WHO works in a few directions. WHO with partners implement the Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) to increase access to mental health services by involving primary health care workers (family doctors, pediatricians, therapists, paramedics, nurses). Overall, in Ukraine, almost 3000 primary health care workers have been trained on mhGAP. And almost 30,000 participants had completed the online self-paced course. As well, 475 trainers will train representatives of different sectors (medical and social services, law enforcement, educators, NGOs, railway, enterprises) who help adults experiencing adversity to learn how to manage their stress. Also, WHO supports the Ministry of Health in strengthening the capacity of Community Mental Health Teams (CMHTs) to provide specialized mental health care for people with severe mental health conditions in community as an alternative to institution-based care. Being the main technical partner for the All-Ukrainian mental health program initiated by First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska, WHO provides support to this initiative, aimed at developing a system of provision of mental health and psychosocial support services. - Are there programs to help women and children who have been sexually harassed during the war? - There can be no tolerance of such acts of gender-based violence in Ukraine and all over the world. The health impacts of sexual (and other gender-based) violence on survivors are significant. These include physical, mental, sexual and reproductive health problems. As WHO we and partner agencies like UNFPA focus on survivors’ rights and need to access timely care. This care usually includes emergency contraception, tetanus and hepatitis B vaccination, STI prophylaxis, HIV post-exposure prophylaxis, and mental health support. In cooperation with MOH, WHO conducted trainings on service provision to GBV survivors for more than 200 healthcare professionals from 8 oblasts obtained knowledge and skills on provision of care including medical care, communication skills with survivor and referral to services available to GBV survivors outside of the health sector. More capacity-building activities are planned. THE RISK OF INFECTIOUS DISEASE OUTBREAKS IS INCREASING DUE TO THE DESTRUCTION OF INFRASTRUCTURE - What to expect this summer in terms of infectious diseases: what epidemics threaten Ukraine due to Russia's full-scale war? There has been a lot of talk about the possibility of a cholera outbreak in Mariupol. Are programs and vaccines being prepared? Are there any known cases of the disease? - The risk of outbreak is known to be heightened when there is disruption and destruction to water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure and the forthcoming warmer climatic conditions of spring and summer are favorable to transmission. According to public health situation analysis made by WHO in May the risk of cholera, for example, was non-zero, but the likelihood was low. The consequences of a cholera outbreak could, nevertheless, be severe were it to occur, so cholera is classed as presenting an overall moderate risk to public health. The risk analysis was prepared prior to the Kakhovka dam explosion, the risk of waterborne diseases, including cholera could be higher particularly in areas affected by the flooding. No cholera cases have been reported in Ukraine also the healthcare system is ready to act in case of such kind of threat appears. Here we can talk about Government controlled area, where the data is available. Early detection and treatment are crucial and WHO is supporting surveillance through epidemic intelligence and providing cholera test kits to high risk oblasts.. - There was an outbreak of polio in Ukraine. What is the current situation? - An outbreak was first detected in the country in October 2021. WHO with MOH and partners, provided nationwide immunization catch-up campaign which has continued despite challenges such as mass movement of the population and the destruction of health-care facilities. Despite these barriers, as of 3 July 2023, a total of over 207,000 doses of inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) had been administered. WHO with other Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) partners conducted a comprehensive evaluation of Polio disease surveillance, vaccination, vaccine logistics, laboratory capabilities and communication efforts to assess the situation on the ground and gather crucial insights to support the overall assessment of the polio response activities conducted. Despite the immense challenges and uncertainties faced in Ukraine due to the ongoing war, the Outbreak Response Assessment (OBRA) team did not find any evidence of continued transmission of cVDPV2 in Ukraine. Based on their findings, a recommendation to WHO European region was to consider officially closing the polio outbreak in Ukraine in September if all the surveillance and vaccination recommendations are met. - What is the situation with COVID-19 in Ukraine and the world? - According to the data received, 6 WHO regions continue to report decrease in COVID-19 cases. In Ukraine incidence and hospital admissions continue to decrease at the national level as well. Daily COVID-19 hospital admissions fell from an average of 191 (02 June 2023) to 156 (19 June 2023). The proportion of ICU beds occupied by COVID-19 patients remains low. The end of COVID-19 as a global health emergency declared earlier by the WHO Director General is not the end of COVID-19 as a global health threat. So we should continue to monitor the situation by integrating COVID-19 with broader respiratory infection surveillance and continue genomic sequencing for early detection of new strains and evolving health threats. In both areas Ukraine is doing good progress. On the other side an effective architecture for health emergency preparedness and response helped us to start to address emergency of another kind when the full-scale invasion started. DESPITE THE WAR, UKRAINE IS COMMITTED TO REFORM - This year marks the 75th anniversary of the organization's founding. What are the main achievements and challenges? What needs to be improved? - The work of WHO and its partners over the past 75 years to advance public health has impacted the lives of people worldwide. From the development of life-saving vaccines against deadly diseases like smallpox, polio, and measles, to the discovery of present-day antibiotics, and the global treaty to stop tobacco use, their accomplishments have made a significant impact on the world. Additionally, new diagnostics, medicines, and treatments for tuberculosis, HIV, cancer, dementia, and many other diseases and conditions have become available, further improving global health. However, as WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reminds us, it's not the past 75 years that matter, but the next 75. Our team aim is to continue to improve the health and well-being of all people in Ukraine, even in the face of adversity caused by war. In Ukraine WHO remains committed to ensuring the health system is operational and that all possible efforts are made so that the system can recover quickly. Health system recovery is one of WHO's priority in Ukraine, which goes beyond rebuilding physical medical facilities. We aim to support the country to restore essential services such as rehabilitation, primary health care, public health surveillance, and more, critical for overall national recovery. High-quality health services and medicines instil a sense of security, promoting trust in local and national government, and allowing people to return to their homes. Further to this, we have made mental health a vital component of the health response. WHO, along with the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, the Office of the President, and the MoH, have launched a critical initiative for mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), prioritising numerous actions for a system-wide response to the mental health needs of Ukrainians. Due to the ongoing invasion by the Russian Federation, WHO prioritize emergency health response in Ukraine. Through our health emergency response efforts, we have reached over 9 million people for now. - What do you think about the healthcare system in Ukraine? What needs to be reformed and what can be a good example for the EU? - WHO has been working in Ukraine for a long time, being involved in health system development, guiding the reforms directions and also providing humanitarian support since the war began back in 2014, which escalated in February 2022. Ukraine health system works in a very dynamic environment. It wasn’t even 6 years ago that the health reform law was adopted in 2017, and today the country has a whole new health system architecture with national purchaser set-up, providers obtaining much greater independence, transparent national procurement agency, new primary healthcare approach, drastically changing rehabilitation and mental health systems. The reforms are ongoing, despite the war, and we hope to see more political will and determination to continue making the health system more effective, people-oriented instead of facility-oriented, and with sound public health policies, which are also important in scope of achieving Ukraine’s EU aspirations. In many parts of the world, when the war starts, everything else stops. But in Ukraine, what is unique is that we really see the aspiration for the reforms continuing, despite all the pressure. And it’s crucial for international organizations considering supporting Ukraine now and in the future – to see this commitment to reforms and making difficult, sometimes unpopular decisions, for the sake of long-term stability and performance of the system. Despite facing over 1000 attacks on health care in Ukraine since 24 February 2022, WHO, alongside healthcare authorities and dedicated health workers, have been working tirelessly to ensure Ukrainians in the country receive essential health services. The entire health system has shown remarkable resilience and dedication during these trying times, which we believe is partly due to the reforms previously implemented. WHO remains committed to ensuring the health system is operational and that all possible efforts are made so that the system can recover quickly. It's important to note that Ukraine plays a significant role in health and development, providing opportunities for other countries to learn from its experiences. Moreover, Ukraine is a member of the WHO governing system, including the Standing Committee of the Regional Committee (SCRC). Minister of Health of Ukraine Viktor Liashko, have also joined the Executive Board of the World Health Organization in May 2023. - What was February 24, 2022 like for you? How did the full-scale Russian invasion begin for you personally? - The day will stay in our memory for rest of our lives, when Russian Federation started invasion of Ukraine. That day it was important to be in touch with the team to know if everyone is ok and safe and also to contact health authorities to understand their needs and inform that we are operational as well ready to assist. We made preparations before to ensure medical supplies to be available, as well various trainings and materials. However last 500+ days have been intense to ensure response to public health needs and situation is constantly evolving. - How is the work of the WHO team in Ukraine going now? What has changed since Russia's full-scale invasion? How have you reorganized the established processes? What difficulties did you face? - Around the 24th of February 2022 we were a smaller team of 100 people, now we are about 300 people in various locations of Ukraine, including Kyiv, Dnipro, Odesa, Poltava, Lviv among others. Also, before WHO team were mainly based in Kyiv with few offices in Donets and Luhansk Oblasts. All of our work has continued with national authorities and with local authorities, as well as with the community. For WHO, as well as during the COVID-19 response, our role has been not only policy advice and dialogue or broader technical assistance, but also very much on the ground, like the situation analysis of what is happening in the hospitals, what happens in primary care centers, how do we work in public health for disease surveillance. This has continued with all of our work but scaled up. Irina Drabok, The Hague Photos: WHO Ukraine
According to the World Health Organization, more than 1,000 attacks on the Ukrainian healthcare system have taken place since the beginning of the full-scale war, which is a violation of international humanitarian law. As of today, 1067 attacks on the healthcare system have been verified: 952 attacks on medical facilities were carried out, 74 medical workers and 27 patients were injured, and 124 medical vehicles were damaged. This is the highest number of attacks WHO has ever recorded in any humanitarian emergency. Attacks on the healthcare system have also led to the closure of pharmacies. Every fifth person in the country has problems with access to essential medicines, while in the areas of occupation and active conflict - every third. So, what is the situation with medicines in Ukraine? What is the situation in the temporarily occupied territories? What epidemics threaten Ukraine because of Russia's full-scale war? Jarno Habicht, WHO Representative in Ukraine, spoke about these issues, as well as about WHO educational programs and initiatives to train Ukrainian doctors and work in wartime, in an interview with Ukrinform. THE WAR IN UKRAINE HAS PROVOKED AN UNPRECEDENTED HUMANITARIAN CRISIS - Over the past 15 months of the full-scale war in Ukraine, more than 1,000 strikes on the healthcare system have been recorded. How can Russia be forced to stop such attacks and compensate for the damage? What mechanisms does the WHO have? - This is the highest number of attacks WHO has ever recorded in any humanitarian emergency. The war in Ukraine has brought immense challenges to the lives of all Ukrainians, triggering a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented scale. It is very important that there is an official platform for reporting attacks on health and the methodology in place for all the attacks not to be unnoticed and it is the only source that goes to UN Security Council. Can you imagine that without this platform everyone can report attacks on health in the way they understand it and to what level off mess and probable misinformation it could lead? Here WHO’s role is to verify that attacks on healthcare have occurred to highlight their impact on people in the community and their access to health services. Other bodies within the United Nations system such as the Security Council, or mechanisms such as the International Criminal Court, have the mandate to investigate attacks on health care and WHO cooperates with them where appropriate and following established procedures. - What is the situation with medicines in Ukraine? What is lacking the most? Do you know about the situation in the temporarily occupied territories? - As I have seen including during recent visits close to the frontline and other war-damaged zones – attacks on health have profoundly impacted the population’s access to essential health services and medicines in addition to the closure of pharmacies. One in five people throughout the country is struggling to access essential medicines, while in areas of occupation and active conflict, that number increases to one in three. Despite significant improvement from the early days of full-scale invasion, high price of medicine and availability remains to be barriers to get necessary medicine, households reported pain, heart and high blood pressure-related are the top three medicines that as they couldn’t get. WHO health needs assessment revealed that the proportion of those who had difficulty with the rising cost of the medicines increased, also only 7% of respondents reporting that they were unable to obtain the necessary medicines in April 2023 compering to 22% in September 2022. From financial protection studies we also know that medicines are a major driver of financial hardship for Ukrainians and are a major cause of out-of-pocket spending of the population. It’s important to involve all actors to cooperation, such as pharmacies which are mostly private in Ukraine – but their recovery and re-launch of operations, especially in areas recently re-taken under the control of Government of Ukraine, is crucial for population to be able to access medicines, including through governmentally-funded Affordable Medicines Programme. Also WHO organized number of convoys and donations to newly-accessible and Ukraine government controlled affected areas with medicines, supplies for emergency care ensuring that health facilities continue to deliver life-saving and essential health services. WHO has delivered about 3300 metric tonnes of medical supplies to Ukraine since 24 February 2022. - Please tell us about the consequences of the Kakhovka dam explosion. What will happen to water supply, the environment, and infections? - The tragedy at the Kakhovka Dam caused mass destruction and human suffering, significant damage to infrastructure and the environment. Some areas are left with no electricity or potable water. As the Kakhovka reservoir served as a crucial water source for numerous major and smaller cities located to the north, west, and south of the country, the destruction of the dam has disrupted or contaminated the water supply in all these regions with the risk of waterborne diseases. The flooding is occurring in a highly industrialized zone with chemical release into water, which could result in contamination and severe impact on people and animals for several years with heightened risk of waterborne diseases, including cholera, diarrhea, and others. WHO supports authorities and health workers prevent water-borne diseases and working to monitor for possible disease outbreaks since the first day after an accident. Our team provided cholera kits to Kherson and neighboring oblasts as it have proven to be invaluable in the current situation. Other medical goods also delivered to 4 hospitals to provide care for about 11 000 patients for several months to support generic needs, trauma and surgery, and also to treat the common childhood illness. These was done under weekly UN interagency convoys and our own missions to reach the most affected areas. Our team also helps MOH and Center for disaster medicine to coordinate more than 100 healthcare volunteers joined Kherson and Mykolaiv regions affected by the accident who will receive compensation for additional expenses, in addition to their salaries. Also lasting mental health impacts on affected communities is one of risks we need to address jointly with MOH and partners. To assess the growing mental health needs, WHO conducted mission to Mykolaiv Oblast to visit primary health care centers, IDP centers and a psychiatric hospital. Preliminary finding of the assessment indicates that residents of the Kherson region living in IDP centers need more psychological and psychosocial support. Interviewed IDPs note anxiety, frequent mood swings, and sleep disturbances. The support assistance from WHO side to this emergency continues. THE NEED FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT SERVICES IN UKRAINE IS HIGH - What are the WHO educational programs and initiatives to train Ukrainian doctors? How do you work in a time of war? How does the WHO help, has it managed to attract specialists to work in Ukraine? - Since the start of the war, WHO has supported the Ministry of Health to build the capacity of around 10,000 health care workers on a range of topics including mental health; trauma and rehabilitation; mass casualties; chemical exposure; infectious diseases; and outbreak detection and control engaging international and national trainers. As well WHO reached more than 1200 healthcare trainees in Ukraine in a series of webinars on clinical management and medical staff safety in relation to Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) events. Then trainers have the possibility to share their knowledge with healthcare workers all over the country. Additionally, 726 EMS first responders and clinicians from referral hospitals in 11 oblasts were trained in chemical protection, decontamination and treatment. So we have quite a busy schedule with trainings sharing best practices in various oblasts for Ukrainian healthcare workers were able to upgrade the skills during this challenging time to save people`s life and health. - How do you provide psychological assistance to Ukrainian doctors and patients? - According to WHO global estimates, one in five people (22%) living in an area affected by conflict at any time during the previous 10-year period is estimated to have some form of mental health condition. Applying these estimates to the population of Ukraine would mean that approximately 10 million people may have a mental health condition.These lead to the conclusion that needs for mental health and psychosocial support services in Ukraine are high. To meet these needs, WHO works in a few directions. WHO with partners implement the Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) to increase access to mental health services by involving primary health care workers (family doctors, pediatricians, therapists, paramedics, nurses). Overall, in Ukraine, almost 3000 primary health care workers have been trained on mhGAP. And almost 30,000 participants had completed the online self-paced course. As well, 475 trainers will train representatives of different sectors (medical and social services, law enforcement, educators, NGOs, railway, enterprises) who help adults experiencing adversity to learn how to manage their stress. Also, WHO supports the Ministry of Health in strengthening the capacity of Community Mental Health Teams (CMHTs) to provide specialized mental health care for people with severe mental health conditions in community as an alternative to institution-based care. Being the main technical partner for the All-Ukrainian mental health program initiated by First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska, WHO provides support to this initiative, aimed at developing a system of provision of mental health and psychosocial support services. - Are there programs to help women and children who have been sexually harassed during the war? - There can be no tolerance of such acts of gender-based violence in Ukraine and all over the world. The health impacts of sexual (and other gender-based) violence on survivors are significant. These include physical, mental, sexual and reproductive health problems. As WHO we and partner agencies like UNFPA focus on survivors’ rights and need to access timely care. This care usually includes emergency contraception, tetanus and hepatitis B vaccination, STI prophylaxis, HIV post-exposure prophylaxis, and mental health support. In cooperation with MOH, WHO conducted trainings on service provision to GBV survivors for more than 200 healthcare professionals from 8 oblasts obtained knowledge and skills on provision of care including medical care, communication skills with survivor and referral to services available to GBV survivors outside of the health sector. More capacity-building activities are planned. THE RISK OF INFECTIOUS DISEASE OUTBREAKS IS INCREASING DUE TO THE DESTRUCTION OF INFRASTRUCTURE - What to expect this summer in terms of infectious diseases: what epidemics threaten Ukraine due to Russia's full-scale war? There has been a lot of talk about the possibility of a cholera outbreak in Mariupol. Are programs and vaccines being prepared? Are there any known cases of the disease? - The risk of outbreak is known to be heightened when there is disruption and destruction to water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure and the forthcoming warmer climatic conditions of spring and summer are favorable to transmission. According to public health situation analysis made by WHO in May the risk of cholera, for example, was non-zero, but the likelihood was low. The consequences of a cholera outbreak could, nevertheless, be severe were it to occur, so cholera is classed as presenting an overall moderate risk to public health. The risk analysis was prepared prior to the Kakhovka dam explosion, the risk of waterborne diseases, including cholera could be higher particularly in areas affected by the flooding. No cholera cases have been reported in Ukraine also the healthcare system is ready to act in case of such kind of threat appears. Here we can talk about Government controlled area, where the data is available. Early detection and treatment are crucial and WHO is supporting surveillance through epidemic intelligence and providing cholera test kits to high risk oblasts.. - There was an outbreak of polio in Ukraine. What is the current situation? - An outbreak was first detected in the country in October 2021. WHO with MOH and partners, provided nationwide immunization catch-up campaign which has continued despite challenges such as mass movement of the population and the destruction of health-care facilities. Despite these barriers, as of 3 July 2023, a total of over 207,000 doses of inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) had been administered. WHO with other Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) partners conducted a comprehensive evaluation of Polio disease surveillance, vaccination, vaccine logistics, laboratory capabilities and communication efforts to assess the situation on the ground and gather crucial insights to support the overall assessment of the polio response activities conducted. Despite the immense challenges and uncertainties faced in Ukraine due to the ongoing war, the Outbreak Response Assessment (OBRA) team did not find any evidence of continued transmission of cVDPV2 in Ukraine. Based on their findings, a recommendation to WHO European region was to consider officially closing the polio outbreak in Ukraine in September if all the surveillance and vaccination recommendations are met. - What is the situation with COVID-19 in Ukraine and the world? - According to the data received, 6 WHO regions continue to report decrease in COVID-19 cases. In Ukraine incidence and hospital admissions continue to decrease at the national level as well. Daily COVID-19 hospital admissions fell from an average of 191 (02 June 2023) to 156 (19 June 2023). The proportion of ICU beds occupied by COVID-19 patients remains low. The end of COVID-19 as a global health emergency declared earlier by the WHO Director General is not the end of COVID-19 as a global health threat. So we should continue to monitor the situation by integrating COVID-19 with broader respiratory infection surveillance and continue genomic sequencing for early detection of new strains and evolving health threats. In both areas Ukraine is doing good progress. On the other side an effective architecture for health emergency preparedness and response helped us to start to address emergency of another kind when the full-scale invasion started. DESPITE THE WAR, UKRAINE IS COMMITTED TO REFORM - This year marks the 75th anniversary of the organization's founding. What are the main achievements and challenges? What needs to be improved? - The work of WHO and its partners over the past 75 years to advance public health has impacted the lives of people worldwide. From the development of life-saving vaccines against deadly diseases like smallpox, polio, and measles, to the discovery of present-day antibiotics, and the global treaty to stop tobacco use, their accomplishments have made a significant impact on the world. Additionally, new diagnostics, medicines, and treatments for tuberculosis, HIV, cancer, dementia, and many other diseases and conditions have become available, further improving global health. However, as WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reminds us, it's not the past 75 years that matter, but the next 75. Our team aim is to continue to improve the health and well-being of all people in Ukraine, even in the face of adversity caused by war. In Ukraine WHO remains committed to ensuring the health system is operational and that all possible efforts are made so that the system can recover quickly. Health system recovery is one of WHO's priority in Ukraine, which goes beyond rebuilding physical medical facilities. We aim to support the country to restore essential services such as rehabilitation, primary health care, public health surveillance, and more, critical for overall national recovery. High-quality health services and medicines instil a sense of security, promoting trust in local and national government, and allowing people to return to their homes. Further to this, we have made mental health a vital component of the health response. WHO, along with the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, the Office of the President, and the MoH, have launched a critical initiative for mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), prioritising numerous actions for a system-wide response to the mental health needs of Ukrainians. Due to the ongoing invasion by the Russian Federation, WHO prioritize emergency health response in Ukraine. Through our health emergency response efforts, we have reached over 9 million people for now. - What do you think about the healthcare system in Ukraine? What needs to be reformed and what can be a good example for the EU? - WHO has been working in Ukraine for a long time, being involved in health system development, guiding the reforms directions and also providing humanitarian support since the war began back in 2014, which escalated in February 2022. Ukraine health system works in a very dynamic environment. It wasn’t even 6 years ago that the health reform law was adopted in 2017, and today the country has a whole new health system architecture with national purchaser set-up, providers obtaining much greater independence, transparent national procurement agency, new primary healthcare approach, drastically changing rehabilitation and mental health systems. The reforms are ongoing, despite the war, and we hope to see more political will and determination to continue making the health system more effective, people-oriented instead of facility-oriented, and with sound public health policies, which are also important in scope of achieving Ukraine’s EU aspirations. In many parts of the world, when the war starts, everything else stops. But in Ukraine, what is unique is that we really see the aspiration for the reforms continuing, despite all the pressure. And it’s crucial for international organizations considering supporting Ukraine now and in the future – to see this commitment to reforms and making difficult, sometimes unpopular decisions, for the sake of long-term stability and performance of the system. Despite facing over 1000 attacks on health care in Ukraine since 24 February 2022, WHO, alongside healthcare authorities and dedicated health workers, have been working tirelessly to ensure Ukrainians in the country receive essential health services. The entire health system has shown remarkable resilience and dedication during these trying times, which we believe is partly due to the reforms previously implemented. WHO remains committed to ensuring the health system is operational and that all possible efforts are made so that the system can recover quickly. It's important to note that Ukraine plays a significant role in health and development, providing opportunities for other countries to learn from its experiences. Moreover, Ukraine is a member of the WHO governing system, including the Standing Committee of the Regional Committee (SCRC). Minister of Health of Ukraine Viktor Liashko, have also joined the Executive Board of the World Health Organization in May 2023. - What was February 24, 2022 like for you? How did the full-scale Russian invasion begin for you personally? - The day will stay in our memory for rest of our lives, when Russian Federation started invasion of Ukraine. That day it was important to be in touch with the team to know if everyone is ok and safe and also to contact health authorities to understand their needs and inform that we are operational as well ready to assist. We made preparations before to ensure medical supplies to be available, as well various trainings and materials. However last 500+ days have been intense to ensure response to public health needs and situation is constantly evolving. - How is the work of the WHO team in Ukraine going now? What has changed since Russia's full-scale invasion? How have you reorganized the established processes? What difficulties did you face? - Around the 24th of February 2022 we were a smaller team of 100 people, now we are about 300 people in various locations of Ukraine, including Kyiv, Dnipro, Odesa, Poltava, Lviv among others. Also, before WHO team were mainly based in Kyiv with few offices in Donets and Luhansk Oblasts. All of our work has continued with national authorities and with local authorities, as well as with the community. For WHO, as well as during the COVID-19 response, our role has been not only policy advice and dialogue or broader technical assistance, but also very much on the ground, like the situation analysis of what is happening in the hospitals, what happens in primary care centers, how do we work in public health for disease surveillance. This has continued with all of our work but scaled up. Irina Drabok, The Hague Photos: WHO Ukraine
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Story
27 July 2023
A Glimpse into United Nations Recovery Programmes in Ukraine
Would you like to learn about the UN's contributions to Ukraine's recovery? Check out the UNITED NATIONS RECOVERY PROGRAMMES IN UKRAINE dashboard.
Transparency and accountability are fundamental to our approach. We are dedicated to making data accessible to all stakeholders. This interactive dashboard offers a comprehensive overview of the recovery programs being implemented by UN in Ukraine, aligning with the UN in Ukraine Transitional Framework.
The UN in Ukraine Transitional Framework is the strategic document of the UN development system in support of the Government of Ukraine’s response to the economic and social impact of Russia’s invasion and war on Ukraine. The goal of the Transitional Framework is to convene stakeholders around a common vision of the efforts spanning the humanitarian, recovery and development, and social inclusion spheres. The UN in Ukraine provides support to individuals, communities, and institutions to strengthen systems and build resilience, focusing on the priority areas of infrastructure reconstruction, health, education, social protection, food security, livelihoods, energy, and the environment.
Updated quarterly, the dashboard provides detailed information on the programs, sectors, and resources invested by the UN and its partners – including national, international, and local stakeholders – involved in the implementation of recovery initiatives.
Key Dashboard Features:
Program Overview: Explore a wide range of active programs in Ukraine, categorized by their focus areas, such as social protection, education, energy and environment, health, infrastructure reconstruction, livelihoods, and economic growth.
Geospatial Visualization: Dive into an interactive map displaying the geographic distribution of program implementation across various regions of Ukraine. This feature allows for regional analysis of the UN's initiatives.
Engaging Visuals: The dashboard utilizes a variety of data visualization techniques, including charts, graphs, and infographics, to present complex information in an easily understandable manner for all audiences. In addition, the data on the humanitarian response led by the UN and implemented with humanitarian partners can be viewed on the website of OCHA in Ukraine.
Geospatial Visualization: Dive into an interactive map displaying the geographic distribution of program implementation across various regions of Ukraine. This feature allows for regional analysis of the UN's initiatives.
Engaging Visuals: The dashboard utilizes a variety of data visualization techniques, including charts, graphs, and infographics, to present complex information in an easily understandable manner for all audiences. In addition, the data on the humanitarian response led by the UN and implemented with humanitarian partners can be viewed on the website of OCHA in Ukraine.
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Story
26 July 2023
Arbitrary Detention: The lost men of Dymer
UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission monitors met with two women, residents of Dymer in the Kyiv region, whose civilian relatives were taken by Russian soldiers when they occupied the area in late February last year. The men are still being held.
“The Russians interrogated our boys here. This is where they ate and this is where they went to the bathroom, everything happened here,” said Anna Mushtakova, standing in the boiler room of the local foundry in Dymer, a small town 46 kilometers north of the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv.
“Some witnesses confirmed that they shot at the ceiling to intimidate our boys,” said Mushtakova pointing at the pock marked wall of the foundry’s boiler room crammed with equipment.
Mushtakova, in her late fifties, said she had not seen her husband Ivan since day two of the invasion. The arrests began one day after the Russians occupied Dymer.
“They marched in on 25 February and they began arresting people the next day,” she recalled.
She said she last saw Ivan before he left the rural estate where they both worked and lived at the time to pick up his brother in a nearby village.
“Don’t go anywhere, it’s war,” she remembered telling him, but he went ahead anyway. She knew something was wrong when they did not come back.
She said she went to Dymer every two or three days desperate to find what happened to her husband.
“They strip searched me at the checkpoint, what were they looking for?” she asked. “I went around, I asked neighbors, I stuck a note on their doors but no avail. The neighbors did not see anything,” she said.
Mushtakova remembers that in early April, on the day the Ukrainian troops liberated the area, everyone rushed to the foundry that the Russians turned into a makeshift prison to search for clues about what had happened to their loved ones.
During a recent meeting with UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) in June, Mushtakova and two other local women said they later found some documents and ID papers belonging to their men in the foundry’s safe that the Russian left intact when they fled advancing Ukrainian troops.
HRMMU monitors and publicly reports on the human rights situation in the country with the aim of strengthening human rights protection, fostering access to justice, and ensuring that perpetrators of human rights violations are held to account. HRMMU meets with victims and witnesses of human rights violations to hear firsthand their accounts and document any violations. This work ensures that the human cost of the war in Ukraine is documented and preserved and this will assist in ensuring accountability. HRMMU was deployed in March 2014.
The women said they looked for clues in the scribbles scratched out in the stained brownish grey concrete wall of the makeshift detention room. As UN monitors visited 15 months later, the graffiti with the dates, the departures and the new arrivals were still visible.
“Ten were escorted out, we are now 28,” said one line carved into the wall with what might have been a sharp stone.
Dymer resident Olga Manukhina, 43, a mother of three whose husband and son had been taken by the Russians more than 15 months ago, said she recognized her husband’s writing on the wall.
“There was also an inscription in the corner at the bottom written by my husband to show that they had been there. Surnames, where they lived, phone numbers, in case someone saw it and could let me know that they were here, that they were alive,” she said.
According to UN reports, Russian forces detained large numbers of civilians within days of occupying parts of eastern Ukraine, as well as areas north of Kyiv. In a report released in June by HRMMU said it conducted 1,136 interviews with victims, witnesses and others. It said it documented over 900 cases of arbitrary detention of civilians, including children, and elderly people during the first 15 months following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The report said most of these cases were perpetrated by the Russian Federation and detainees were frequently subjected to torture and ill-treatment. Some were summarily executed.
Local residents said 44 men of different ages and from various walks of life had been taken by the Russian armed forces from Dymer alone, a town of 5,500 inhabitants.
For Mushtakova the first real clue came from social media from a man who had been detained with her husband.
“He told me personally everything, how my husband suffered,” she said.
Mushtakova said this was how she learned that Ivan was detained at a Russian checkpoint.
“He was thrown to the ground without any explanation, beaten and put into a hangar for seven days. Then he was transferred to another hangar for another seven days. After that, he was transferred out,” she said.
Manukhina said her 20-year-old son Danylo used to be a worker at the very same foundry that would later become his prison.
“They simply took him from home, just came and took my husband and son,” she said, clutching a photograph of her missing men. “They didn't like something they found on his phone, a text message. There were seven of them. Six stayed outside with my son, and another one went inside with my husband. He looked around the house, checked all the phones, while those standing outside made my child take his clothes off, raise his clothes up because he had tattoos. She yelled to them to let them go."
“We are taking both the father and the son for interrogation," the Russian soldier announced.
“That’s it,” were the last words Maksym uttered as he kissed her goodbye, his hands already tied behind his back.
Never giving up
After more than 15 months of an agonizing wait, the Dymer women still don’t know where their loved ones are being held and how they are being treated but they heard that the men were taken to Belarus and then on to different prisons in Russia.
The women said they only knew that the men had been given a change of clothes because they came across photographs of them dressed in military uniforms. They said they reported the men’s disappearance to the Ukrainian authorities as soon as the Ukrainian forces regained control of the area. They were asked to be patient.
Most of the Dymer women received letters from their loved ones through Ukraine’s National Information Bureau but the letters said little about how their loved ones really were let alone where. Manukhina said the only letter she received from her husband just gave her a simple description of his schedule and living conditions.
She wrote back six times without any reply from him.
“There is no return address, they don’t say,” she remarked.
A high-ranking Ukrainian government official came to town recently, recalled one of the Dymer women. She asked them how they were doing. She took her by her hand and she told her things were bad and that her civilian son was in captivity.
“We will bring everyone home, but it will take time,” she said.
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Press Release
22 September 2023
UNOPS signs new Host Country Agreement with the government of Poland
The agreement outlines two primary objectives:
Fostering Early Recovery and Reconstruction in Ukraine: UNOPS is committed to utilizing its expertise in infrastructure, procurement, and project management to spearhead recovery and reconstruction projects in Ukraine.
Increasing Polish Private Sector's Access to UN Procurement Platforms: The agreement further aims to enhance the engagement of Polish companies in UN procurement processes. In 2022, the UN procured USD 71.71 million worth of goods and services from Poland, accounting for 0.24% of the global procurement value.
Jorge Moreira da Silva, the UNOPS Executive Director said: “This agreement is a testament to partnership. It not only amplifies the solidarity shown by the Polish government and private sector towards Ukraine but also opens avenues for Polish businesses to actively participate in UN procurement processes. We are eager to work hand in hand with the Government of Poland to make a tangible difference in lives and help Ukraine build back better.”
UNOPS will be partnering with the UN Global Compact Network Poland, having already signed a Memorandum of Understanding to ensure the widest possible reach amongst Polish businesses. The Polish office of UNOPS will serve as a hub, attracting the best talent to contribute to projects aimed at the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine.
Zbigniew Rau, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Poland, remarked: "I am convinced that the presence of UNOPS in Warsaw will strengthen our existing cooperation with the UN, contribute to expanding its scope and give it new energy. At the same time, it will contribute to enlarging the UN family of organizations in Poland.”
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Press Release
21 September 2023
STATEMENT BY THE RESIDENT AND HUMANITARIAN COORDINATOR FOR UKRAINE, DENISE BROWN, ON INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
Russia’s escalation of the war continues to inflict untold suffering on the lives of the people of Ukraine, who resolutely demonstrate dignity and determination in the face of adversity.
Near-daily air strikes, artillery fire, areas of land contaminated by mines, and constant air raid sirens; these are the harbingers of loss and grief. Lives are brutally taken, homes are destroyed, local economies shattered. This is the reality of life in Ukraine today.
The high cost of war being paid by this country is a stark reminder of what is lost when there is no peace in Ukraine, and indeed, in too many places around the world.
The position of the United Nations is unequivocal: the Russian Federation has violated the territorial integrity of Ukraine and violated the UN Charter and International Humanitarian Law.
Repeated attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure are violations of International Humanitarian Law.
At the opening of the 78th Session of the General Assembly, UN Secretary-General made clear, “It is high time to renew multilateral institutions based on 21st century economic and political realities – rooted in equity, solidarity and universality – anchored in the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law.”
There is no peace in Ukraine on this International Day of Peace.
We must all strive to change this reality.
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Press Release
19 September 2023
STATEMENT BY THE HUMANITARIAN COORDINATOR FOR UKRAINE, DENISE BROWN, ON AN ATTACK THAT DESTROYED THE CARITAS-SPES WAREHOUSE IN LVIV
Attacks impacting humanitarian assets have escalated throughout the year and ultimately impact those who are suffering the horrific consequences of the war.
Humanitarian workers, facilities and assets are protected under international humanitarian law. Direct attacks or indiscriminate attacks are strictly prohibited. International humanitarian law is not an option, it is an obligation and must be upheld.
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Donetska Oblast, 19 September 2023
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Press Release
15 September 2023
Ukraine: UNESCO sites of Kyiv and L’viv are inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger
The UNESCO World Heritage Committee considers that “optimal conditions are no longer met to fully guarantee the protection of the Outstanding Universal Value of the property and that it is threatened by potential danger due to the war”. Faced with the risk of direct attack, these sites are also vulnerable to the shockwaves caused by the bombing of the two cities.
While noting the many actions taken by the Ukrainian authorities to protect their cultural property, the Committee stated that these two heritage sites of outstanding universal value have remained under permanent threat since the start of the invasion on 24 February 2022.
Their inclusion on the List of World Heritage in Danger reminds the 195 States parties to the Convention of their responsibility to monitor and contribute to the protection of these sites. It also opens the door to additional financial and technical aid in order to implement new emergency measures - in line with the measures already taken by Ukraine with UNESCO.
The inclusion of these two sites on the List of World Heritage in Danger comes in addition to that of the Historic Centre of Odesa, already inscribed in January 2023.
About the sites
Kyiv's Saint Sophia Cathedral symbolises the "new Constantinople", capital of the Christian principality created in the 11th century in a region converted to Christianity after the baptism of Saint Vladimir in 988. The spiritual and intellectual influence of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra contributed to the spread of the Orthodox faith and thought on the European continent in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. The site has been on the World Heritage List since 1990.
Founded in the late Middle Ages, the city of L’viv flourished as an administrative, religious, commercial and cultural centre from the 13th to the 20th centuries. Its medieval urban topography has been preserved intact, in particular the traces of the different ethnic communities that lived there, as well as the magnificent Baroque and later buildings. The historic centre of L’viv was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1998.
To learn more
UNESCO’s Work in Ukraine
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Press Release
13 September 2023
THERE HAS BEEN ALMOST ONE ATTACK EVERY OTHER DAY HITTING VITAL PORT AND GRAIN FACILITIES IN UKRAINE
It is hugely alarming to hear that the two Ukrainian ports in the Danube River were once again struck during overnight Russian attacks on the Odesa Region. This tragic event left at least six civilians injured, according to the port authorities.
Today’s strike on Ukrainian ports was the 21st of such attacks since Russia’s decision to terminate the Black Sea Initiative less than two months ago. It is shocking but since 17 July there has been almost one attack every other day hitting vital port and grain facilities in Ukraine.
The consequences of this brutal and relentless pattern of Russian attacks are catastrophic for the people of Ukraine and the 345 million people facing hunger worldwide.
International humanitarian law strictly prohibits attacks on civilian infrastructure. This must stop.
***
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