Ukraine – Humanitarian aid – HelpAge Canada 2023

March 2023 – Humanitarian needs in Ukraine continue to be significant. The 2023 Global Humanitarian Overview (GHO) indicates 17.7 million people require humanitarian assistance in Ukraine this year. Priority needs result largely from attacks on energy and shelter infrastructure which hampers access to water food health care transportation telecommunications and other essential services. The war is impacting women and men in different ways and is exacerbating pre-existing inequalities. With GAC’s support HelpAge Canada is supporting the most at-risk older people at home and their caregivers older people displaced those staying with others and those residing in social care institutions in conflict-affected communities in east Ukraine. Project activities include: (1) providing basic social care services for home bound older women and men including non-food items such as hygiene kits; (2) providing mobile teams to support most at-risk older people in social care institutions with protection services; (3) providing referrals and case management for older people and caregivers requiring additional protection support; (4) providing community-based protection activities including mental health and psychosocial support; (5) providing cash for protection; and (6) distributing winterisation items to selected social care institutions.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) increased access to age and disability inclusive and gender responsive humanitarian protection contributing to the improved security dignity and wellbeing of the most at-risk older women and men (with and without disabilities) in east Ukraine; (2) increased wellbeing of family members and caregivers through community-based protection and psychosocial activities; (3) improved access to age and disability inclusive and gender responsive humanitarian support and assistance for the most at-risk older people (with and without disabilities) in east Ukraine; and (4) increased resilience during winter for older women and men including older women and men with disabilities residing in social care institutions. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crises or acute food insecurity.