The Ministry of Health of Ukraine has signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Belgian development agency "Enabel".
The Minister of Health of Ukraine, Viktor Liashko, and the director of the Belgian development agency "Enabel," Dirk Deprez, signed a memorandum of cooperation. The purpose of the cooperation is to implement projects for the long-term support of the Ukrainian healthcare system for 2024--2029. It also aims to prepare Ukrainian medical institutions for the upcoming winter and to provide rehabilitation for Ukrainians affected by the consequences of the full-scale war, among other initiatives.
“Ensuring the autonomy of hospitals in heating, water, and electricity supply is a crucial task on the agenda today, given the daily attacks by the enemy on our medical infrastructure and energy system. This pertains to both preparing for the upcoming autumn-winter season and strengthening our medical system in the long term. We must do everything to ensure that medical care is provided without interruption. I am grateful to all the partners who are joining us to help in this endeavor. The memorandum signed today with the Belgian development agency "Enabel" lays a strong foundation for the development of cooperation in the healthcare sector and outlines the priority areas of such interaction. In particular, it concerns 40 hospitals that will be equipped with everything necessary for autonomous operation.”
The signing of the memorandum will promote the exchange of knowledge and experience and capacity building between Ukrainian and international specialists. It will enhance the accessibility and quality of medical services with a special focus on mental health, psychosocial support, rehabilitation, and electronic health.
The memorandum outlines cooperation in the following priority areas:
- Supporting the Ukrainian healthcare sector in ensuring the continuity of medical care, considering the damage inflicted by the war on Ukraine's medical and energy infrastructure;
- Supporting the implementation of infrastructure projects for healthcare facilities, integrating the principles of “building back better,” including increasing energy efficiency, modernizing infrastructure following EU integration requirements, and implementing new approaches to improving the quality of medical care;
- Supporting Ukraine in the areas of social, physical, and mental rehabilitation for both civilians and military personnel;
- Building partnerships between Belgian and Ukrainian partners in the healthcare sector, including between hospitals and universities of both countries for mutual exchange and training;
- Supporting reforms with a view towards EU integration, among other initiatives.
The memorandum of cooperation between the Ukrainian and Belgian sides will be in effect for four years. It will enhance the resilience and efficiency of the medical system despite the consequences of a full-scale war.