The war in Ukraine has now been going on for over two months. According to the United Nations refugee agency, 14 million people have been displaced, while nearly 5.4 million of them—mainly women and children—have had to flee the country.
Hospitals and healthcare personnel continue to be targeted. According to the WHO, 400 attacks on ambulances, health facilities, and medical staff have been confirmed, including the maternity hospital in Mariupol. And these human rights violations show no sign of stopping.
Thousands of civilians therefore no longer have access to healthcare or medication.
Faced with the collapse of the healthcare system, Médecins du Monde teams are focusing their efforts on providing medical consultation supplies and mental health care to displaced populations.
In addition to the disruption of access to care, the specific needs in sexual and reproductive health and psychosocial support are glaring. To address these specific needs, Médecins du Monde has reinforced its mobile teams with midwives and pediatricians.
As Jesús Cruz, emergency coordinator for Médecins du Monde in Ukraine, testifies: “The healthcare system has collapsed. The population’s health needs have increased due to the war, and supply lines have been cut. Let’s not forget that this is a siege war on cities, leaving hospitals without access to medical supplies.”
In summary, all hospitals in the country are struggling with depleted stocks of medication and medical equipment. There is a shortage of antibiotics, analgesics, intravenous fluids, protective equipment for medical staff, and other items such as flashlights, blankets, and water bottles.
Hospitals in the “safer” western part of the country are seeing an influx of fleeing civilians, which has doubled the patient flow in some hospitals and could also lead to supply shortages.
Médecins du Monde is therefore supporting Ukrainian hospitals by ensuring access to essential supplies for treating the injured. Our teams are working across Ukraine to deliver medical equipment and medication to hospitals to ensure care.
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, with your help, populations affected by conflicts and crises. Access to healthcare must be guaranteed under all circumstances.