As Ukraine’s full-scale war with Russia enters its fifth year, the nation’s healthcare system is facing unprecedented strain. A new report from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals that saw the highest number of attacks on healthcare facilities since the conflict began, a nearly 20% increase compared to . This escalating violence is compounding existing challenges, leaving millions of Ukrainians with limited access to essential medical care.
Since , the WHO has documented at least 2,881 attacks on healthcare in Ukraine, impacting health workers, hospitals, clinics, ambulances, and medical warehouses. These attacks are not isolated incidents, but rather appear to be part of a broader pattern, systematically undermining the country’s ability to provide care for its citizens.
Dual Pressures on Ukraine’s Health System
The Ukrainian healthcare system is currently under pressure from two primary sources: direct attacks on medical facilities and the indirect consequences of strikes on critical civilian infrastructure. Damage to power plants and other essential services has created widespread disruptions, leaving many communities without heat, electricity, and water – all vital for maintaining basic health standards and supporting hospital operations.
A WHO assessment conducted in highlighted the stark reality on the ground. 59% of people in frontline areas reported their health as poor or very poor, significantly higher than the 47% reported by those in non-frontline areas. This disparity underscores the devastating impact of the conflict on the health and well-being of those living closest to the fighting.
Escalating Attacks and Their Consequences
The third quarter of witnessed a particularly alarming surge in attacks, with 184 incidents resulting in 12 deaths and 110 injuries among health workers and patients. Simultaneously, attacks on medical warehouses tripled compared to the previous year, severely disrupting supply chains and hindering the delivery of essential medicines throughout the country. Over the past four years, these attacks have tragically claimed the lives of 233 healthcare workers and patients, and injured 930 more.
These attacks constitute violations of international humanitarian law, yet they continue to occur with alarming frequency. The WHO emphasizes that such actions deliberately targeting healthcare infrastructure are unacceptable and have far-reaching consequences for the civilian population.
Beyond Physical Injuries: A Growing Mental Health Crisis
The impact of the war extends far beyond physical injuries. Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, notes that the mental health needs in Ukraine are “staggering.” A recent survey revealed that 72% of Ukrainians have experienced anxiety or depression in the past year, yet only one in five individuals seek help. This highlights a critical gap in mental healthcare access and the urgent need for increased support.
cardiovascular disease is on the rise, with one in four Ukrainians experiencing dangerously high blood pressure. A concerning 80% of the population reports difficulty accessing the medications they need, exacerbating existing health problems and creating new ones. This isn’t simply a statistical trend; it represents real people – a heart patient unable to obtain blood pressure medication, an amputee facing a long wait for a prosthetic, a teenager struggling with fear and isolation.
The Impact of Infrastructure Damage
The winter of has been particularly harsh, with repeated strikes on energy infrastructure leaving millions without heating, electricity, and water. In Kyiv alone, a January attack left nearly 6,000 buildings without heat in sub-zero temperatures, prompting an estimated 600,000 residents to flee the capital.
Dr. Jarno Habicht, WHO Representative to Ukraine, describes a “devastating cycle” where attacks on heating stations lead to widespread power outages, frozen pipes, and flooded buildings. Repairs are often quickly undone by subsequent attacks, creating a constant struggle for survival for families and healthcare workers alike. The resulting burnout among healthcare professionals, after four years of unrelenting conflict, is immense, while the demand for care continues to escalate.
The challenges extend beyond the hospital walls. Patients discharged after childbirth, recovering from injuries, or undergoing cancer treatment often return home to apartments lacking basic necessities like heating and running water. This undermines the effectiveness of medical care and transforms recovery into a daily battle for survival.
WHO’s Response and Future Needs
Throughout , the WHO worked to reach vulnerable communities through a variety of mechanisms, focusing on those in hard-to-reach areas. Their efforts spanned the entire continuum of care, including crisis response (trauma care, medical supplies, medical evacuations), recovery (primary care, treatment for noncommunicable diseases, mental health services), and rehabilitation (rebuilding damaged facilities, training healthcare workers).
The WHO provided 284 generators to healthcare facilities across 23 oblasts in Ukraine. Looking ahead to , the organization is appealing for US$42 million in funding to sustain its work and protect access to care for 700,000 people. Access to rehabilitation services remains severely limited, with only 4% of hospitals offering inpatient rehabilitation and 3% providing assistive technologies like prosthetics. Access to medicines also remains a significant barrier, with 80% of Ukrainians reporting difficulties, primarily due to high costs.
The situation in Ukraine demands continued international attention and support. The WHO’s ongoing efforts, coupled with increased funding and a commitment to upholding international humanitarian law, are crucial to mitigating the devastating health consequences of this ongoing conflict.
