Ukraine and Germany agree to strengthen cooperation in healthcare

“The COVID-19 pandemic and especially the full-scale war have clearly demonstrated to us the importance of international medical partnership. After all, no medical system can meet such challenges alone. The tool we offer is global cooperation. Last fall, during the third First Ladies and Gentlemen’s Summit, 16 ministers of health endorsed a joint statement that combines four key themes: mental health, international health partnerships, health workforce development and mental health. I am grateful to Germany for supporting the statement. The list of signatories is constantly expanding. Today, we are signing a joint declaration that will further deepen our cooperation and define its key vectors: public health, prevention of infectious and non-communicable diseases, rehabilitation, mental health, professional development, and modernization of healthcare systems.”

Viktor Liashko, Minister of Health of Ukraine

“russia’s criminal aggressive war against Ukraine is particularly affecting the country’s healthcare system. Since the beginning of the war, more than 1,300 attacks on healthcare facilities and medical personnel have been documented. Since the beginning of the russian war of aggression, the German Federal Government has provided Ukraine with 28 billion euros in aid, including for the healthcare system. In addition, Germany has accepted and treated more than 900 wounded patients. Ukraine’s healthcare system continues to function despite targeted attacks, and I would like to thank my colleague Viktor Liashko for his tireless commitment to the well-being of the Ukrainian people and his strong relationship with Germany. Germany will support Ukraine in its healthcare reform. This joint declaration allows us to provide a new impetus for closer cooperation, in particular in view of Ukraine’s efforts to join the EU.”

Professor Karl Lauterbach, Minister of Health of Germany