SUPPORTING THE LOCAL HEALTH SYSTEM
Conflicts and crises always have a direct impact on the health of civilian populations and healthcare personnel. The war in Ukraine is no exception. The humanitarian situation is deteriorating, and the pressure is growing increasingly intense. As health centres are targeted, healthcare personnel are forced to interrupt care and interventions for patients.
The WHO reports 226 attacks on health facilities and their personnel since the start of the war. Around 300 health facilities are located in areas affected by hostilities, and 15.7 million people require humanitarian assistance.
“The supply chain and government support for the health system have been disrupted. There is an influx of people in need overwhelming health facilities and hospitals. We support these facilities by identifying their needs, then we agree to provide them with the medicines and medical equipment they require.”
Ramón Pereiro, logistician for Médecins du Monde’s emergency mission in Ukraine
In humanitarian emergency contexts, Médecins du Monde teams respond quickly and effectively by strengthening the local health system. To restore access to care, our teams coordinate their actions with local organisations and stakeholders already on the ground.
Under all circumstances, Médecins du Monde intervenes to ensure access to health care in accordance with fundamental humanitarian principles and the interests of civilian populations.
DISPLACED PERSONS
Since February 24th, over 14 million people have fled their homes in Ukraine – not knowing when or how they will be able to return.
Over 8 million people are also internally displaced within the country. In some cities, the population has doubled – or even tripled – resulting in insufficient healthcare and available resources.
Every day, people are forced to flee war, conflict, persecution, and natural disasters. For the first time, the number of displaced persons has exceeded 100 million due to the war in Ukraine and other deadly conflicts. This represents over 1% of the global population and is equivalent to the 14th most populous country in the world.
The displacement period until reaching a point of arrival is often synonymous with exclusion, trauma, and barriers to accessing care. Around the world, displaced persons find themselves in a situation of vulnerability, and among them, some are even more precarious: single-parent families, minors, elderly people, unaccompanied women, as well as people with chronic health problems or those with mental health disorders, etc.
Health is a fundamental right, regardless of where a person’s migration journey takes them.
SUPPORT OUR HUMANITARIAN EMERGENCY FUND
No war justifies attacks on hospitals, healthcare personnel, or those in need of medical assistance. Médecins du Monde condemns these acts and will continue to support populations affected by conflicts and crises. Access to health care must be guaranteed under all circumstances, and every donation to the International Humanitarian Emergencies Fund enables us to respond to the most urgent needs.
Source: Reliefweb
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees