WHO aims to reach millions of Ukrainians in 2025 amid growing health needs

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - The World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday highlighted the escalating health crisis in Ukraine, saying the agency aims to reach 3 million of the 9.2 million people in need of medical assistance in 2025.

"Despite the challenges, we have witnessed the health system’s transformation and recovery during the last three years," Jarno Habicht, the WHO country representative for Ukraine, told a press briefing in Geneva.

However, he emphasized the urgent need for international support, noting, "With the support of WHO and our partners, we aim to reach 3 million, focusing on the most critical needs in key oblasts impacted. We collectively need over $130 million to save lives."

He added that in 2025, an estimated 9.2 million people in Ukraine will need some form of health assistance from humanitarian actors.

Regarding the attacks on health care, he said the WHO has documented over 2,209 attacks on health facilities since the beginning of the war, significantly limiting access to health care for those in need.

Citing the latest WHO Health Needs Assessment, he said 25% of Ukrainians believe that their access to medical services has worsened since the conflict began on February 24, 2022.

Mental health concerns have also surged, with a dramatic increase in the number of individuals reporting psychological stress.

"In 2017, one out of ten people in Ukraine said psychological stress was negatively impacting their health. In the most recent survey, in 2023, that number was six out of ten persons," Habicht revealed.

Economic factors have compounded these health challenges, he said, with 82% of the population experiencing difficulties obtaining medicines, primarily due to price increases. As a result, 35% of Ukrainians are postponing necessary care, he added.