The below is attributable to Spokesperson Rebecca Chalif:
Today, Administrator Samantha Power spoke with Ukrainian Minister of Health Viktor Liashko to discuss how Putin’s brutal war against Ukraine has put the lives of millions of people at risk by preventing Ukrainians from accessing essential healthcare. The two discussed the urgent need to get medical supplies and medication into Ukraine, especially as the health system continues to treat large numbers of wounded victims of the war. They also spoke about the need for increased mental health care for those suffering from the trauma and violence caused by Putin’s war. Administrator Power also acknowledged the bravery of the many health workers who continue to treat those in need across Ukraine despite the dangers they face.
The Minister noted that hundreds of medical institutions have sustained damage thus far and will need to be rebuilt. The Administrator underscored that Ukraine’s health system has shown tremendous resilience despite these challenges and emphasized that USAID will continue to work closely with the Government of Ukraine to support its efforts to provide healthcare, and noted that support for health systems will remain a critical part of U.S. assistance to Ukraine. This support will include joint efforts to respond to the immediate impacts of the war, restoring services, and strengthening the healthcare system as an integral part of the post-war recovery.