While uncertainty remains over a possible ceasefire in Ukraine, Mehad continues to respond to the urgent needs of people affected by the war. Present on the ground since the start of the conflict three years ago, the NGO is working to guarantee appropriate access to healthcare, while strengthening sustainable systems alongside local players.
Training for better care in wartime
As soon as it set up operations in Ukraine in 2022, Mehad identified the training of healthcare professionals as a priority for dealing with medical emergencies in a war context. The NGO has set up specialised training centres to enhance the skills of local healthcare professionals in war medicine and emergency ultrasound.
Every month, between 210 and 530 care workers benefit from 12 specialised courses covering first aid, war medicine, emergency obstetrics and chemical attack management. The incorporation of techniques such as emergency ultrasound has improved diagnosis and treatment in extreme conditions. In addition, training in pain management in conflict situations helps medical staff to relieve injuries effectively. These courses, initially given by international experts, are gradually being taken over by local trainers to ensure that skills are passed on over the long term.
Given the instability on the ground, Mehad has also deployed mobile teams to work directly in hospitals and medical centres, guaranteeing continuity of learning and adapting to the changing needs of the Ukrainian healthcare system.
Supporting war victims through rehabilitation
Since December 2023, Mehad has also been running rehabilitation centres that provide comprehensive care for war-wounded, from the physical to the psychosocial aspects of rehabilitation. In 2024, these centres provided 20,182 physical rehabilitation sessions for 496 patients, as well as 3,600 individual consultations and 210 psychosocial support sessions for 512 patients. Psychological support plays an essential role in helping patients rebuild their lives, and is complemented by group activities that encourage social interaction.
Innovative techniques, such as “mirror therapy” to treat phantom limb syndrome, are incorporated into the care provided. In addition, social workers help patients to reintegrate into society by facilitating access to prostheses and assistive devices.
In April 2024, Mehad opened a new rehabilitation centre dedicated to patients needing immediate care as soon as they leave hospital. Unlike the first two centres, where rehabilitation began 10 to 12 weeks after hospitalisation, this centre intervenes from the earliest stages of recovery to optimise the recovery of injured patients.
Stories of resilience
Some of the many patients cared for by Mehad talk about how rehabilitation has transformed their daily lives. This is the case of Denys, aged 24, who was seriously injured by shrapnel, affecting his mobility and daily life. When he arrived at Mehad’s rehabilitation centre, he was suffering from intense pain and had lost his independence.
Thanks to an intensive programme of 12 sessions, he gradually regained his mobility and some of his independence. His story illustrates the importance of rehabilitation in the physical and mental reconstruction of war victims.
Reinforcing mental health and physiotherapy
Mental health and physiotherapy training remain priorities for Mehad in Ukraine. The need for trained carers in these areas is crucial, especially in the context of war. The NGO wants to further develop its programmes to strengthen the resilience of communities and improve the treatment of physical and psychological trauma.
After three years working in Ukraine, Mehad continues to adapt his actions to the needs of the local population and the challenges on the ground. His commitment to working alongside carers and patients remains unwavering, to ensure fairer and more sustainable access to healthcare.
As part of our drive to broaden our aid and strengthen our impact, it is now possible to make a donation to Mehad from the USA for Ukraine via Friends of Fondation de France. This platform enables us to expand our action in conflict zones, particularly in Ukraine, while offering tax advantages to American donors.
