Ukraine’s Humanitarian Crisis: Despite Intensifying Conflicts and Attacks, Health Partners Remain Dedicated to Providing Critical Assistance

In April 2024, the humanitarian situation in Ukraine remained dire, with intensifying hostilities near the frontline and large-scale attacks on energy infrastructure and residential neighborhoods. These attacks led to blackouts and civilian casualties, with at least 129 civilians killed and 574 injured during the month. The number of injured has been rising significantly for the past two months.

The Health Cluster in Ukraine reviewed and published an updated Emergency Response and Preparedness plan in April 2024 to take into account current developments and incorporate the latest information on partner capacity and preparedness to effectively support the Ministry of Health (MoH). On 3 April, the Ukraine Health Cluster, Ministry of Social Policy, MoH, and Ukrainian Public Health Center organized a Q&A session with health partners to discuss new legislation related to the importation of commodities as humanitarian aid in Ukraine, which went into effect on 1 April.

Health partners continued to coordinate efforts to reach an estimated 3,447 individuals with rapid humanitarian health assistance since December 2023. Despite reduced access in certain areas due to intensified attacks on health facilities and healthcare workers, they managed to provide critical healthcare support. For example, an office of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in Donetska oblast was heavily damaged in a strike on 5 April, injuring five people and causing the NGO to temporarily suspend some activities in the region. However, MSF continued its efforts by providing medical care to those affected by the conflict.