As the war in Ukraine enters its third year, Médecins du Monde is pushing for continued support for the physical and mental health of the population.
Loss of loved ones, illness, displacement, uncertainty, economic hardship, and relentless airstrikes across the country: For two years, Ukrainians have had to endure the realities of life in a country at war. The longer the war drags on, the greater the risks to their physical and mental health. As the second anniversary of the full-scale invasion approaches, Médecins du Monde is calling on the international community to support the Ukrainian health system, with a particular focus on the population’s mental health needs through its video campaign #AsLongAsItTakes.
More than half of the Ukrainian population has experienced a potentially traumatic event and requires psychological support of varying intensity. *
*According to 2023 data from the government and international NGOs.
It is near the front line that people suffer the most and lack access to basic resources, including health care. However, in other regions of the country, a large portion of the population is also experiencing high levels of anxiety and despair.
“There is a constant feeling of uncertainty that is extremely stressful. People don’t know when the war will end. They don’t know when they or a loved one will be recruited to fight on the front line. The war exacerbates pre-existing systemic, community, and individual problems. Thus, to the fear of being killed by a missile are added people’s daily struggles. All of this can lead to severe psychosomatic symptoms, panic attacks, depression, or worse.”
Panagiotis Chondros, Médecins du Monde coordinator for mental health issues.
At the same time, exacerbated by the armed conflict, the health care system in many areas is unable to meet the growing health needs of the population. Médecins du Monde supports the local health system with mobile medical units, including psychologists. Additionally, the organization aims to support individuals’ mental health before serious illnesses develop. For example, by training professionals, such as family doctors and social workers. These individuals learn to identify early warning signs in their patients and clients and help them build greater resilience. Another innovative tool consists of so-called “playback” theatre performances, which can effectively help audiences cope with their problems and foster connections within local communities.
“During the first session, I couldn’t speak; I could only cry. I have now been attending individual sessions with the Médecins du Monde psychologist for several months, and my emotional state has improved significantly. She taught me to see the world differently, and now I have the strength to carry on with my life.”
Yuliya Nikolaenko, a patient of Médecins du Monde’s mobile unit in the village of Shyshkivka, Chernihiv region.
Since the start of the war, over 92,000 Ukrainians have been treated by Médecins du Monde staff. More than 17,680 of them have received psychosocial support and mental health care. In total, Médecins du Monde has conducted over 131,900 consultations.
And Médecins du Monde will continue to be there for the people. For as long as it takes.
But to do so, health infrastructure and personnel must be protected. Since the beginning of the war, 122 health workers have been killed and 237 injured. Furthermore, 21 humanitarian workers have been killed and 40 injured, the majority of whom were nationals. Médecins du Monde reminds those responsible that humanitarian personnel and infrastructure must not be targeted, in accordance with international humanitarian law!
PRESS CONTACT:
Our spokespersons based in Ukraine are available for interviews. If interested, please contact:
Mélissa Cabana
Director of Communications and Mobilization, Médecins du Monde Canada
Cell: 514 799-8985