(DNIPRO, Ukraine) July 25, 2024 – Recent, deadly attacks in Ukraine have created more fear and dread among those trying to live, work, and survive in a country at war. Medical Teams International staff, themselves deeply affected by these nearby air strikes, continue to work to improve access to essential emergency health services, psychosocial support, and community engagement for Ukrainians in Odesa, Mykolaiv, Kherson, and Dnipropetrovska Oblasts.

The air strikes in recent days destroyed a large children’s hospital in the Ukrainian capital. This attack, which killed and injured innocent civilians in central Kyiv was a shocking reminder of the violence, destruction, and brutality of the Russian attacks.

“Last week, news broke about the horrific bombing of a children’s hospital in Kyiv – an attack on the most innocent of civilians,” said Duncan Fleck, Medical Teams Ukraine Country Director. “I certainly heard the explosions, which were the loudest I have experienced in Kyiv. Staff, including myself, also felt the blasts; they were only about 15 minutes away by car. While we are not working in Kyiv, we are in the same sector, health, and are affected by these type of incidents.”

Medical Teams offers primary care health services to people in need through mobile medical units (MMUs). These units provide healthcare in remote communities which are directly affected by the war. Many of these villages were occupied by Russian forces and others are hosting people who have fled occupation. The units are staffed by general practitioners, nurses, and a cardiologist who provide medical consultations, diagnoses, free medication (based on prescriptions and medical supplies), patient follow up, and referrals. Each MMU also has a psychologist who provides mental health services and support.

Medical Teams’ Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) teams of staff and volunteers provide one-on-one consultations for children, adults, elderly, and people with disabilities. They also facilitate group interactions and other MHPSS activities. People of all ages whose villages and neighborhoods have been under occupation take part in these community-driven sessions.

Many people we serve are experiencing severe distress from the conflict, and they are struggling to process their grief and other complicated emotions around the loss of their homes, family members, or communities. Our mental health support programs help restore hope. Medical Teams also conducts mental health training for clinical staff and volunteers, so they are able to identify signs of distress in people who might be affected by the conflict.

Medical Teams continues to work with local partners in Ukraine who are actively engaging with the response and are using their skills to support local communities. We are providing technical, financial, and in-kind donations to enable their continued response. Medical Teams’ primary partner is 100% Life Kryvyi Rih, which allows us to reach areas closer to the front line.

Medical Teams has 50 staff in Ukraine and 25 community health volunteers who raise health awareness and promote MMU services as well as mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS). Medical Teams is funded by the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund (UHF) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

About Medical Teams International

Founded in 1979, Medical Teams International provides life-saving medical care for people in crisis, such as survivors of natural disasters and refugees. We care for the whole person— physical, emotional, social and spiritual. Daring to love like Jesus, we serve all people—regardless of religion, nationality, sex or race. Learn more at medicalteams.org and on social media using @medicalteams.

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