On 4 April 2022, WHO Europe held an online briefing to update Non-State Actors (NSAs) on the latest developments regarding its activities in response to the ongoing situation in Ukraine, as well as to share information between those present regarding their respective activities and to answer any questions and concerns they may have. WHO speakers at the meeting were Robb Butler, Executive Director of the Regional Director's Office (who also moderated the meeting), Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, Oleg Storozhenko, Emergency Partnerships Lead, Jarno Habicht, WHO representative in Ukraine, Cristiana Salvi, Regional Adviser, Risk Communication and Community Engagement and Pierre Roca, Resource Mobilisation focal point. As soon as the war in Ukraine began, the World Health Organization (WHO) activated contingency plans, repurposed staff and projects, and shifted its focus to meet emergency needs, in order to support Ukraine’s health system and workers.
The WHO works closely with Ukraine’s Ministry of Health and authorities to identify gaps and needs in the country’s health system and to respond as swiftly as possible. It has opened an operations hub in Rzeszów in Poland, developed a pipeline of trauma supplies to most Ukrainian cities, and sent hundreds of metric tonnes of medical equipment across the border, to health facilities throughout Ukraine. Aside from these activities, the WHO has produced and shared a number of resources to help ensure ongoing access to health care for the people of Ukraine. Resources, information and calls for donations shared at the meeting, both by the WHO and by participating NSAs, include:
- Information on the WHO Emergency appeal for Ukraine and neighbouring countries
- WHO Regional Office for Europe publishes related content on its website including weekly Situation reports
- The WHO Foundation has initiated a call for donations
- There is also a need for Medical supply donations (who.int)
- Information on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Humanitarian response in Ukraine and neighbouring countries
- Mental Health Europe has a new web page gathering resources for some of the significant mental health challenges being faced by people fleeing Ukraine, as well as those remaining or unable to leave the country, especially children and young people, and those supporting them
- The Age and Disability Technical Working Group has lists of institutional settings that are in great need of basic services as well as specific medical requirements
- The European Disability Forum's tools and resources to ensure inclusive emergency response.
One of the concerns voiced at the meeting came from the European Disability Forum (EDF) representative Gordon Rattray, who asked whether people with disabilities, who may find it more difficult to access support and care, were receiving the necessary attention and whether full inclusion was being achieved. WHO representatives assured him that, while there is not yet enough available data on the exact proportion of people with disabilities caught up in this crisis and on how may are able to access care and support, medical evacuation and trauma rehabilitation has a big focus on people with disabilities and on older people. Kate Boor Ellis, Communications Officer at Alzheimer Europe attended this briefing, together with more than 60 other representatives from NSAs.
