The war in Ukraine, an ongoing conflict that has torn this Eastern European nation apart, has left indelible marks on the geopolitical and humanitarian landscape. Since it began, this complex tragedy has had far-reaching consequences, affecting both innocent civilians and the fundamental structures of Ukrainian society. Lives lost, families separated and cities in ruins are sad testimony to the devastation caused by this relentless war.
This war has had a devastating impact on the country’s healthcare system. Despite an international ban on the bombing of hospitals, these medical facilities in Ukraine have been under unprecedented pressure from the bombing, while coping with war injuries, conflict-related illnesses and the urgent medical needs of affected civilians. Incessant violence and indiscriminate shelling have put civilian hospitals in a critical situation, hampering access to basic healthcare for many communities.
A strong commitment to health in a context of war and crisis
Our mission in Ukraine has been marked by an unwavering commitment to strengthening medical capacity in the war-torn country. Mehad strongly supports healthcare professionals in Ukraine in the face of the challenges of war and humanitarian crisis.
This is why we have set up a range of essential training courses in the Lviv and Kharkiv centres. Our aim is to provide participants with cutting-edge expertise in war medicine and first aid, as well as specialist skills in emergency ultrasound.
In an ongoing effort to extend our reach and make these courses accessible to a wider audience, we have innovated by offering mobile sessions at the European International University in Kyiv.
Strengthening medical capacity in Ukraine: training review
Up to March 2023: training for 1056 healthcare professionals
The first phase of the training project, which began in March 2022, has been a success, with 1,056 people trained. The project was financed in partnership with Chaîne de l’Espoir and with the support of the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs. Medical students, nurses, medical practitioners and other health professionals benefited from specialised programmes designed to meet the specific needs of the medical context in Ukraine.
April – June 2023: training of 909 carers
In the second quarter of 2023, the training project continued its successful momentum, welcoming 909 new carers. This project was funded in partnership with the Fondation de France, and the increased participation also demonstrates the relevance and added value of the training programmes offered by Mehad.
July 2023: 174 carers trained
Even in times of volatility and uncertainty, Mehad, with the support of the Fondation de l’Avenir, is maintaining its commitment in July and beyond, training a further 174 healthcare professionals. Despite persistent logistical and security challenges, we continue to provide essential support in building medical capacity in Ukraine.
Our dedication to training healthcare professionals in Ukraine has been crowned with success, with a total of 2,139 people trained from the start of our intervention to date. Each person trained represents a further step towards a more robust and resilient healthcare system, capable of facing the continuing challenges of war and contributing to the healing of affected communities.
Beyond the medical: innovative healthcare training in Ukraine
Combining diversity and innovation, Mehad goes beyond traditional medical training by adopting a holistic approach to health in Ukraine. Our training initiatives go beyond traditional fields to specifically address the needs of war-affected communities.
In addition to our medical training, we offer specialised programmes in psychotrauma management to support traumatised victims of war. In addition, our chemical incident management training responds to the urgent need to deal with the consequences of chemical weapons, protecting public health and the environment.
Our innovative training courses demonstrate our commitment to tackling the complex health challenges in Ukraine. By expanding our portfolio, we are strengthening the resilience of healthcare professionals and providing comprehensive support to war-affected communities.
Supporting medical training in Ukraine: an investment in a healthier, more resilient future.
