Ukraine and France continue to develop cooperation in the health sector
Edem Adamov, Deputy Minister of Health of Ukraine, paid a working visit to France to expand international cooperation and discuss the implementation of joint initiatives in the health sector. During the visit, he also participated in the International Hospital Cooperation Days, an annual event dedicated to addressing global healthcare challenges and exchanging experiences among healthcare systems, which took place in Paris. In his speech during the opening of the second day, Edem Adamanov outlined the crucial role of international cooperation in supporting and rebuilding Ukraine’s healthcare system amid the ongoing war, emphasizing that such cooperation is vital for the country.
“International cooperation is a necessary tool for Ukraine’s survival and development. Over 2,500 healthcare facilities have been destroyed or severely damaged since the first days of the full-scale invasion. Despite these losses, Ukrainian healthcare workers continue to save lives every day, often working in extremely dangerous conditions. In this context, international support is critically important, as it allows not only to maintain the continuous functioning of the system under difficult conditions but also to develop it in line with current challenges and needs”
In his speech, he also placed particular emphasis on the International Medical Partnership initiative, launched in 2023 with the support of Olena Zelenska, the First Lady of Ukraine.
“As part of the Medical Partnership initiative, direct links have been established between Ukrainian and foreign hospitals, and educational exchanges and consultations on complex clinical cases have been organized. As a result, 45 Ukrainian oncologists have already completed internships at leading medical institutions in France”
In this context, he presented the example of a patient from Kyiv who received personalized therapy for a complex diagnosis, following a joint consultation between Ukrainian and French oncologists. Successful treatment was made possible by international medical partnerships aimed at exchanging practical experience, which are formed within the framework of such cooperation.
In addition to participation in the conference, the Deputy Minister of Health visited the headquarters of the French Development Agency (Agence Française de Développement). During the meeting, the parties identified further areas for bilateral cooperation in healthcare.
The visit concluded with a trip to the Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, one of Europe's leading pediatric oncology institutions, which recently signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the National Cancer Institute of Ukraine.
Special attention during the visit was given to Gustave Roussy’s innovative approaches to treating children with cancer—the clinic develops and manufactures specialised paediatric chemotherapy drugs. For the youngest patients, bitter pills are transformed into pleasant-tasting candies using 3D printing, which makes the treatment easier and less stressful.
Moreover, the center has state-of-the-art technologies, including its own biological laboratories, and is actively engaged in scientific research in pediatric oncology, making it a strategic partner for Ukrainian oncology centres.
The visit to France continued Ukraine’s active collaboration with French partners in the healthcare sector. The Ministry of Health of Ukraine is actively advancing international partnerships to enhance the quality of medical services, implement modern medical solutions, and strengthen the resilience of the healthcare system amid the challenges of war.
For reference. The International Hospital Cooperation Days event was organized by Expertise France in collaboration with the French Development Agency (Agence française de développement). The conference provides a platform for discussing global healthcare challenges and exploring joint solutions within the framework of international cooperation. This year’s event focused on the theme “Pushing the Boundaries of Health: The Role and Impact of International Hospital Cooperation.”
As a reminder, Ukraine and France signed seven agreements valued at EUR 51 million to support the development of the country's healthcare system.