War's third year in Ukraine urges worldwide appeal for mental health support, trauma care, and rehabilitation services.
The ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine has taken a heavy toll on the nation's healthcare system, with the third year of conflict presenting significant challenges in mental health, trauma care, and rehabilitation.
## Effects on the Healthcare System
The physical damage inflicted on Ukraine's healthcare infrastructure is evident. By mid-2023, at least 150 hospitals and clinics had been destroyed, and over 1,000 were damaged, resulting in the loss of medical equipment and ambulances. This disruption has led to a plummeting vaccination rate and inadequate medical services, particularly in war zones.
The conflict has also caused widespread psychological distress, affecting all demographic groups. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health disorders such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression are prevalent, with 41% of those surveyed reporting such conditions.
## Current Challenges
The ongoing conflict exacerbates mental health issues due to constant exposure to violence, displacement, and loss of loved ones. Moreover, there is a need for specialized trauma care and rehabilitation services, particularly for those suffering from injuries like amputations and burns. The displacement or exodus of medical professionals has further strained the healthcare system.
## Needed Interventions
### Mental Health Interventions
Implementing accessible psychological support services, including counseling and therapy, to address PTSD, anxiety, and depression is crucial. Developing community-based mental health programs to provide support in affected areas is also essential.
### Trauma Care and Rehabilitation
Establishing specialized trauma care facilities for treating severe injuries and providing comprehensive rehabilitation services, including physical therapy and psychological support, is necessary.
### Healthcare System Revitalization
Prioritizing the rehabilitation of damaged hospitals and clinics to restore healthcare infrastructure, securing international aid and support to rebuild and enhance healthcare services, and implementing strategies to retain and recruit medical professionals are necessary steps to strengthen the healthcare workforce.
## The WHO's Focus
The WHO is focused on rebuilding Ukraine's health care system, including installing primary health care clinics in affected regions, providing critical care such as immunizations and mental health care, and treating HIV, tuberculosis, and antimicrobial resistance.
Despite these efforts, there is a severe shortage of trauma specialists, prosthetics, and rehabilitation services in Ukraine. Mental health care, trauma care, and rehabilitation are in high demand due to the conflict.
In an October 2024 assessment, the WHO European Region found that 68% of Ukrainians reported a decline in health compared to before the war. The World Health Organization has warned that the Ukrainian health care system is facing "unprecedented challenges" due to the country's third year of defending against Russia's invasion.
International efforts in health-and-wellness are crucial, given the unprecedented challenges facing Ukraine's healthcare system. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the need for both mental health interventions and a revitalization of the physical infrastructure, particularly in the areas of trauma care, rehabilitation, and providing accessible psychological support services. The global science community should collaborate to address the mental health crisis and support Ukraine's mental health, trauma care, and rehabilitation needs.
