Ukraine purchases life-saving medicine for children with primary immunodeficiency diseases

This year for the first time, the Ministry of Health of Ukraine has purchased Anakinra – the life-saving medicine for the treatment of primary immunodeficiency in children. This medicine was unavailable in Ukraine before and parents of pediatric patients had to buy it at their own expense from abroad. The demand was relatively low, and the manufacturer was not interested in placing this medicine on the Ukrainian market.

At the request of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) procured 952 packages of Anakinra for Ukraine. These medicines were procured for the state budget funds under the relevant government program, and are currently delivered to the regions.

These medicines will be provided to children with primary immunodeficiency diseases, and will save their families a total of more than one million UAH.

Primary immunodeficiencies are rare congenital diseases caused by mutations in genes. These disorders of the immune system cause increased susceptibility to infection, autoimmune disease, and malignancy. Most patients with these diseases require life-long treatment regimens and therapies, but can still full and successful lives.