UKRAINE – The World Health Organization (WHO) said it has delivered 20 all-terrain ambulances, generators, and blood refrigerators to Ukraine to help with emergency healthcare amid continued Russian aggression.

The ambulances are said to be capable of operating in Ukraine’s most damaged and inaccessible areas.

Thanks to them, doctors will also be able to travel off-road to provide medical care where needed, and promptly transport victims to health facilities and safe areas.

The WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, made the delivery during a three-day visit to the war-torn country, during which he visited war-damaged health facilities.

Tedros spoke with health professionals who are working tirelessly to help in the midst of wartime realities.

He also interacted with medical personnel who worked tirelessly, providing care by torchlight and eventually evacuating all patients when the situation became too dangerous to continue.

According to the WHO, 393 metric tonnes of emergency and medical supplies and equipment have been delivered to Ukraine so far.

Of that total, 167 metric tonnes have arrived at their intended destinations, primarily in the country’s east, south, and north, where the need is greatest.

Handing over the supplies to the Deputy Minister of Health Iryna Mykychak in Lviv, Ukraine, Ghebreyesus said, “We bring not just supplies but support based on your needs.

“Today, we are handing to you 20 ambulances, along with generators and blood refrigerators to hospitals wherever they are needed. But the most important thing we want to see delivered is peace.”

Iryna Mykychak, commenting on this development said: “We have been working closely with the WHO team in Ukraine for a long time, long before the war, and their work in support of our country’s health system is significant.

“Today, by consolidating efforts and working closely with WHO, we are able to help and support our national health system.

“And these are very effective ways to support the doctors who heroically save people and provide medical care to Ukraine’s defenders and peaceful civilians in difficult times.”

Since the beginning of the war on February 20, Ukraine’s medical infrastructure has been severely damaged as a result of continuous attacks on health care, and access to health care in many areas has been severely impacted.

This donation of 20 ambulances will aid in the provision of critical care to the Ukrainian people while also improving the timeliness and quality of medical services provided by national emergency response teams.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization will consider a resolution condemning Russia for its involvement in the Ukraine conflict.

A decision to close WHO’s large regional office in Moscow could be included in this document.

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