1.5 million consultations and 8 million services: how the Ukrainian Red Cross is strengthening healthcare during the war

Since the start of the full-scale war, the Ukrainian Red Cross has delivered millions of services, provided more than 1.5 million primary healthcare consultations, and organised thousands of awareness-raising activities promoting healthy lifestyles and disease prevention. Through these efforts, it has strengthened the public health system and ensured access to assistance where it is limited.

On World Health Day, we highlight that we operate wherever support is needed — for people affected by the war, vulnerable groups, and anyone requiring medical and social assistance. In the context of the war, thousands of Ukrainians lack adequate access to healthcare due to damaged infrastructure, displacement, and prolonged stress. In remote communities and areas close to the frontline, our teams often serve as one of the few access points to primary healthcare.

“For the Ukrainian Red Cross, it is essential that assistance remains accessible even in areas where the healthcare system is under the greatest strain due to the war. We work alongside people in communities where access to medical services is limited, ensuring that everyone who needs support can receive it,” said Maksym Dotsenko, Director General of the Ukrainian Red Cross.

Currently, 82 mobile health units are operating across 20 regions of Ukraine. They conduct primary health assessments, provide basic diagnostics, dispense essential medicines, and refer patients to specialists when needed. Some units work specifically with children and internally displaced persons and also provide telemedicine services.

At the same time, the Home-Based Care programme provides daily support to older people and people with disabilities who are unable to care for themselves. In 2025, social assistants delivered 8 million services — ranging from help with daily tasks and personal hygiene to emotional support — ensuring beneficiaries were not left alone.

Alongside this, the Ukrainian Red Cross is expanding its network of Active Longevity Clubs — there are now 136 clubs operating across almost the entire country. These clubs help people aged 60 and over maintain their physical and mental health, rebuild social connections, and stay active.

A separate focus area is disease prevention and the promotion of healthy lifestyles. Since 2023, more than 33,000 events have been held, with 150,000 participants. This programme currently covers 15 regions, providing health information to people of all ages to reach as many individuals as possible.

The Ukrainian Red Cross is also developing its blood donor movement, running campaigns across the country in partnership with DonorUA and engaging new donors to ensure stable blood supplies.

Physical rehabilitation and social adaptation for those affected by the war remain key priorities. Mobile rehabilitation units operate in 13 regions, having carried out 16,128 visits and assisted 3,537 people. Nine rehabilitation spaces have been opened, over 3,800 assistive devices have been provided, and 1,900 training sessions have been conducted for more than 22,600 participants.

All these initiatives form a coordinated response to the challenges of the war. Through collaboration with partners, they strengthen the public health system and ensure access to assistance even in the most difficult circumstances.