Providing Critical Medicines for Ukraine Relief

Nine months of war in Ukraine has caused the deaths of thousands, injured untold numbers more, and displaced millions from their homes and country.

In those nine months, Direct Relief, as a recognized international partner of Ukraine’s Ministry of Health, is continuing its scaled-up response along the two parallel tracks of supporting those affected by war in Ukraine and those forced to flee their homes to neighboring countries.

In large-scale crises, Direct Relief always aims to safely and securely deliver emergency medical resources – that are requested, approved by the responsible government authority, and appropriate for the circumstances – where they are most needed and as fast and efficiently as possible.

Since the war broke out, Direct Relief has secured and shipped more than 890 tons of requested medicines and supplies to more than 400 healthcare delivery sites in Ukraine and neighboring countries. That includes 155 million defined daily doses of medication to address a wide range of acute and chronic health needs.

Thanks to the outpouring of financial support from thousands of individuals, companies and foundations across 80 countries, Direct Relief is also providing cash assistance to help facilities and organizations effectively respond to the massive surge of patients at a time when many healthcare facilities have been damaged.

Consistent with Direct Relief’s focus on supporting persons who are most vulnerable, financial assistance has been directed to the Ukrainian Diabetes Foundation and the Society of Critical Care Medicine, among other reputable and vetted groups.

To date, Direct Relief has awarded emergency financial support totaling $15.9 million to help sustain and bolster the provision of health care in Ukraine and to support healthcare services for Ukrainian refugees in Poland and Moldova.

In the coming months, Direct Relief will continue to work closely with the Ukrainian Ministry of Health and on-the-ground healthcare organizations by supporting areas identified in the Government’s Ukraine Recovery Plan.

Specifically, Direct Relief will help:

• strengthen access to primary healthcare to address the rising burden of non-communicable conditions
• bolster rehabilitation services, including equipment and provider training, for people who have been injured
• address mental health and psychological support among healthcare providers and the general population as a result of war-related trauma