Addressing health needs of people for conflict-affected Ukraine

An estimated 2.9 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance due to the conflict in eastern Ukraine with women and the elderly bearing the brunt of the ongoing hostilities. Access to essential services is severely hampered especially on the other side of the "contact line" in the east of the country. The shock of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has added pressure to a weakened health care system while the provision of social services has struggled. Protection is a serious concern given the heavy contamination of mines and the indiscriminate attacks on critical civilian infrastructure. With support from GAC and other donors the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) provides protection emergency relief and other essential services to people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence and promotes respect for international humanitarian law in Ukraine. Project activities include: (1) providing medical care access to water and sanitation food aid and livelihood support; (2) provide the Ukrainian Red Cross with technical expertise to strengthen its capacity to promote international humanitarian law restore family links and provide relief in armed conflict and situations of violence; and (3) ensure respect for international humanitarian law in the treatment of civilians not taking part in hostilities and detainees.

The expected outcomes of this project include: (1) improved access to protection food assistance health services livelihood support and other essential services by people affected by armed conflicts and other situations of violence in the countries concerned; and (2) increased operational capacity of National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The ultimate outcome is to save lives alleviate suffering and preserve human dignity in countries facing a humanitarian crisis or acute food insecurity.