Ukraine and Norway signed Memorandum of Partnership in the healthcare sector
On July 1, 2025, an official meeting took place in Kyiv between Viktor Liashko, the Minister of Health of Ukraine, and Jan Christian Vestre, the Minister of Health and Care Services of the Kingdom of Norway. During the visit, the parties signed a Memorandum of Partnership in the field of healthcare, formalizing cooperation within the framework of the Agreement on Security
“The Agreement signed today is a logical extension of the Agreement on Security Cooperation concluded last year by the President of Ukraine and the Prime Minister of Norway and is an important step toward strengthening our healthcare system. Amidst the full-scale war, we must ensure that healthcare services are not only resilient but also continuously developed to guarantee quality care for Ukrainians in any circumstance. This partnership with Norway is about professional cooperation, shared values, and the priority of protecting people's lives and health. We are grateful for the solidarity and concrete actions that help make Ukrainian healthcare more robust, more modern, and more resilient to challenges.”
The document outlines joint efforts aimed at public health development, modernization, and strengthening the resilience of healthcare systems, training of medical personnel, and the promotion of knowledge and expertise exchange, particularly in the areas of mental health, rehabilitation, and combating antimicrobial resistance.
It also envisions the development of horizontal partnerships between healthcare institutions, the digitalization of services, strengthening cybersecurity, medical evacuation, and enhancing emergency preparedness for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear risks.
The Agreement provides for the participation of Ukrainian and Norwegian experts in conferences, joint activities, and professional exchange programs.
Jan Christian Vestre, the Minister of Health and Care Services of the Kingdom of Norway, emphasized Norway’s readiness to support the Ukrainian healthcare system and promote its development in line with European standards.
Representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank also attended the meeting.
On the second day of their visit to Ukraine, the Norwegian delegation visited several medical facilities in Kyiv. At the National Children's Specialized Hospital “Okhmatdyt,” the Norwegian Minister expressed his deep respect for Ukrainian doctors who, despite the consequences of the missile attack, continue to provide high-quality care to their patients. He also highlighted the resilience of Ukraine’s healthcare system and the hospital’s active restoration efforts.
During the visit to the Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, the Minister met with doctors and patients receiving treatment for severe injuries sustained during the hostilities.
Additionally, the delegation visited residential areas of the capital that were affected by missile attacks and paid tribute to the fallen defenders at Mykhailivska Square.
The visit and the signing of the Memorandum marked a significant step toward expanding international support for Ukraine’s healthcare system and strengthening the strategic partnership with Norway.
As a reminder, Ukraine and the Kingdom of Norway have previously signed an Agreement on Security Cooperation and Long-Term Support.