Ukraine emergency response 

Three years after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the humanitarian situation in the country has tragically received less attention from the world. Yet 12.7 million Ukrainians are still in need of humanitarian aid.

Médecins du Monde condemns the attack on the Okhmatdyt hospital and points out that healthcare facilities are not targets and must be protected at all times, in accordance with international humanitarian law, which lays down the rules in armed conflicts.

As the war in Ukraine enters its third year, Médecins du Monde calls for continued support to ensure access to physical and mental health.

On this World Mental Health Day, the international network Médecins du Monde wishes to draw attention to the mental health and emotional well-being of the Ukrainian population after a year and a half of war. Over 50% of the Ukrainian population suffers from at least one of the symptoms of anxiety.

After a year of interminable war, the Ukrainian population is facing an unprecedented health crisis. The NGO calls on the international community to do everything in its power to alleviate the situation, prevent further civilian deaths and facilitate access to essential services, particularly healthcare.

Despite the extremely difficult situation, our teams continue to work and provide primary healthcare, psychological support and medical supplies.

He had only been in the country for three weeks when war broke out: for Bashar Kailani, Médecins du Monde’s coordinator in Ukraine, tasks suddenly changed and unsuspected challenges presented themselves. He gives us his impressions of the temporary evacuation and the way aid structures are now being set up.

Since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine, Médecins du Monde teams have been present not only in the country itself, but also in neighboring countries.

At Médecins du Monde (MdM), we are deeply concerned by the war in Ukraine. We are particularly concerned about the increasing number of attacks on health facilities. Civilians and civilian infrastructure are not targets. They must be spared.

Until the Russian invasion, Médecins du Monde had been present in the hard-hit Donbass region for 7 years. We provided primary care, mental health assistance and medicines to the local population, a third of whom are over 65.

The civilian population is trapped by the war in Ukraine. Despite the extremely difficult situation, our teams are continuing to work and provide emergency aid. An appeal for donations has been launched to finance the redeployment of our operations.

As military attacks on the country began, Médecins du Monde began relocating its international staff and protecting its local team. The entire team numbers around 100 professionals and has been operating in Ukraine since 2015.