Support includes medical evacuations, mental health services and integration into EU health programs.
In a video message to the Ukrainian Health Ministry conference, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Stella Kyriakides stressed the European Union’s unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine “in all respects, and also as long as it takes. » Joined by the Ukrainian Minister of Health, Viktor Liachkole Commissioner Kyriakides highlighted the considerable assistance that the EU provides to strengthen the Ukrainian health sector in the face of current challenges.
Immediate medical assistance and evacuations
Commissioner Kyriakides announced that to date, more than 3,500 Ukrainian patients have been transferred to hospitals in the EU and the European Economic Area (EEA) via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. This initiative aims to ease the burden on Ukraine’s healthcare facilities and ensure that patients receive necessary medical care. “Our support to Ukraine regarding the health sector includes immediate needs such as medical evacuation,” she said.
Improving mental health and psychosocial services
Recognizing the profound psychological impact of the conflict, the Commissioner highlighted the importance of mental health support. The EU has provided financial assistance to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to help people who have fled Ukraine or who have been internally displaced in the country. Efforts are also underway to strengthen access to mental health services for children, one of the most vulnerable groups affected by the crisis. “We are helping Ukraine to strengthen children’s access to mental health services,” Kyriakides noted.
Rehabilitation programs and health integration in the EU
The European Union is helping Ukraine improve rehabilitation services for injured civilians and veterans. Ukraine’s inclusion in the EU4Health funding program has opened up many opportunities for collaboration in the health sector. In June of the previous year, the EU concluded new agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation with the Ministry of Health of Ukraine. “Ukraine’s work with our European reference networks has made it possible to further financially support the Ukrainian Center for Rare Diseases at the kyiv Children’s Hospital,” the Commissioner emphasized.
Strengthening emergency preparedness and response
Commissioner Kyriakides welcomed Ukraine’s participation in the board of the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA), emphasizing the importance of joint efforts in preparing for health emergencies. In collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe, a project was launched to strengthen Ukraine’s capacity to deal with chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats. “Together with WHO Europe, we have launched a project to build capacity in Ukraine to deal with CBRN threats – an area where we must continue to work and prepare together,” she said.
The path to European integration
Affirming the European Union’s support for Ukraine’s future in the EU, Commissioner Kyriakides highlighted ongoing efforts to help the Ukrainian authorities meet the conditions for membership. “Ukraine’s alignment with EU standards will improve economic resilience, create new supply chains and strengthen sectors such as pharmaceuticals,” she said. The commissioner stressed that the negotiations will require leadership, determination and focus, and that successful reforms will be the key to progress. “It will be essential to succeed in the reforms. Our support for Ukraine in this process is obvious,” she added.
Solidarity and shared future
Concluding her message, Commissioner Kyriakides reaffirmed the EU’s deep commitment to supporting Ukraine. “We are united in your fight for freedom and democracy, and we will work together for a future of stability, resilience and partnership,” she said. She hoped for a successful conference on the integration of Ukrainian and European health systems. “I wish you a fruitful day discussing the integration of Ukrainian and European healthcare,” she said.
Originally published in The European Times.
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