As the war in Ukraine enters its second year, WHO continues to provide support in analysing health data for an evidence-based response. In June 2023 the WHO Country Office in Ukraine, in collaboration with national and regional health authorities, conducted a second data interpretation workshop, expanding on the first round held in February this year.
The workshop brought together 70 representatives from 23 oblasts and the city of Kyiv, including officers and management from oblast health departments, and representatives from oblast medical information centres, subnational public health centres and health facilities.
During the workshop, newly collected data from 13 oblasts and Kyiv were analysed, adding to updated data from the 10 most war-affected oblasts analysed previously. Covering late March to early May 2023, the new data provide a broader understanding of the gaps in the country’s health-care services and resources. The recent tragedy at the Kakhovka Dam will be reflected in the next update.
Current data suggest that service disruptions are observed predominantly in oblasts most affected by the war. Services for noncommunicable diseases are generally available, and most assessed health facilities are fully functioning. However, specialized medical services such as cancer care, including chemotherapy and mammography, and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis treatments face interruptions. Additionally, skilled care during childbirth is not fully available in certain oblasts due to staffing and resource limitations.
The workshop outcomes will contribute to the final conclusions of a baseline analysis of the availability of resources and services in health-care facilities throughout Ukraine.
WHO continues to guide health representatives on using the Health Resources and Services Availability Monitoring System (HeRAMS) to effectively work with these data. The tool allows for collection of information on the functionality of health facilities, damages incurred, basic amenities and service availability across various domains.
Financial support for the HeRAMS tool is provided by the United States Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance.
