Ukraine receives over $2 billion in healthcare support from Direct Relief
Since 2022, the international humanitarian organization Direct Relief has provided Ukraine with more than $2 billion USD in medical and humanitarian assistance. This makes Direct Relief one of the largest private philanthropic donors supporting Ukraine’s healthcare system during the war.
In addition to in-kind donations, the organization has allocated over $60 million USD in financial assistance to Ukrainian medical institutions and civil society organizations delivering healthcare services in Ukraine and in countries hosting Ukrainian refugees — including Poland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic.
A core focus of Direct Relief’s efforts remains the supply of essential medicines and medical products to Ukraine. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, over 449 million defined daily doses of medicines have been delivered to support trauma care, chronic disease treatment (including diabetes and cancer), as well as maternal and child health. All shipments are based on requests from healthcare providers, allowing for rapid and targeted response to clinical needs in the regions.
“Direct Relief has been consistently supporting Ukraine’s healthcare system throughout the war. This assistance is coordinated with the Ministry of Health, ensuring that resources are directed where they are needed most. We highly value this partnership, which helps save lives and strengthen the resilience of medical care across the country. In the most difficult moments — when hospitals operate under shelling, when the power goes out but doctors continue to treat patients — Direct Relief’s support is especially tangible. This is a clear example of effective international solidarity, reflected in real results: modern equipment, essential medicines, backup power systems, expanded rehabilitation services, and strengthened mental health support. We are deeply grateful to the Direct Relief team and to everyone who contributes to building a stronger, more resilient, and effective healthcare system in Ukraine”
Another critical area of support is rehabilitation and prosthetics. Direct Relief assists both public and independent institutions working with individuals who have lost limbs due to the war. In particular, the organization has supported the development of the Unbroken National Rehabilitation Center in Lviv, which provides comprehensive care to patients with severe injuries — including both physical rehabilitation and psychological support.
Direct Relief also supports the Protez Foundation, which manufactures and fits prosthetic limbs free of charge for both military personnel and civilians. The foundation also trains a new generation of specialists — including veterans who have undergone amputation and rehabilitation themselves.
Throughout the full-scale invasion, Direct Relief has maintained close and consistent cooperation with the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, regional authorities, and local healthcare facilities. The organization provided trauma kits early in 2022 and later supported hospitals during winter blackouts by supplying battery backup systems.
All assistance is allocated based on real needs, taking into account the situation on the ground and requests from healthcare facilities.
The Ministry of Health of Ukraine continues active cooperation with partners like Direct Relief to ensure that medical care remains uninterrupted, accessible, and of high quality — even in the most challenging times.
Background. Direct Relief is a humanitarian aid organization operating in all 50 U.S. states and over 80 countries around the world. Its mission is to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies. The organization does not receive government funding and relies solely on private donations and philanthropic contributions.
Recently, Ukraine received 30,000 packages of antibiotics from Poland as humanitarian aid."