WHO transfers emergency vehicles to Ukraine to meet urgent health needs in times of war

Lviv, 23 January 2023 - the WHO office in Ukraine has handed over 26 ambulances to the Ministry of Health of Ukraine to meet the urgent needs of patients in the field of health during the war.

“WHO supports the Ukrainian health system, which is constantly under attack during the war, by providing medical supplies and equipment in coordination with the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and other partners,” said Dr Jarno Habicht, WHO representative in Ukraine. “These vehicles will help save lives and provide vital assistance to people in Ukraine during the war.”

The donation includes 6 patient transport ambulances and 20 mobile intensive care unit ambulances equipped with oxygen cylinders, defibrillators, ventilators, and other medical equipment that allow transporting seriously injured patients to healthcare facilities.

Since 24 February 2022, WHO and its partners have handed over more than 30 ambulances to the Ministry of Health of Ukraine. More ambulances are set to be delivered later this year.

Viktor Liashko, Minister of Health of Ukraine, said: “Every day the war presents us with new challenges both in our work and just in our life. We have all faced a lot of losses and destruction, but our main task remains unchanged — to take care of people's health. I am sincerely grateful to the World Health Organization for its significant assistance and comprehensive support. Thanks to our joint efforts, the Ukrainian medical system continues to work. Today, these ambulances will start saving the lives of Ukrainians.”

This donation was made possible by financial support from the European Union.

“Since the beginning of russia's war against Ukraine, hundreds of medical institutions have been destroyed. Together with humanitarian partners such as WHO, and in close coordination with the Ukrainian government, we support the healthcare system so that Ukrainian health workers can continue to save lives across the country,” said Claudia Amaral, head of the EU's humanitarian aid division in Ukraine.

WHO has delivered more than 2000 metric tonnes of life-saving medical supplies to Ukraine since the war began. Deliveries have included power generators, ambulances, oxygen supplies for medical facilities, supplies for trauma and emergency surgeries, medicines to help treat noncommunicable diseases and more.