Published on: 2026-08-28
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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August 28, 2026 Healthcare
Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, 3,205 attacks have been carried out on healthcare facilities. This was reported on Friday by Jarno Habicht, the representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Ukraine.
Such attacks undermine the ability of humanitarian organizations to provide support to those affected.
“In 2026, there have already been 20 attacks on warehouses with humanitarian cargo, including 13 warehouses storing medical supplies,” Habicht said.
“The WHO faced similar attacks in July in Kyiv and in August in Dnipro; as a result, we lost a significant amount of medicines and equipment intended to help 225,000 people,” he added.
Despite the difficult and dangerous conditions, WHO and its partners continued delivering humanitarian supplies, providing consultations, and supporting Ukraine’s healthcare system.
WHO continues delivering aid to hard-to-reach areas
In 2026, nine WHO humanitarian convoys and 22 UN inter-agency convoys (the last two of which departed today for the Donetsk region) delivered medicines, equipment, and other medical supplies to more than 50 settlements in hard-to-reach areas.
With the support of the WHO, primary health care teams have provided 13,130 consultations in seven regions of Ukraine over the past eight months.
In several districts where pharmacies do not operate, 28,400 people received sets of over-the-counter drugs this year.
“As part of the comprehensive humanitarian response measures, WHO has supported the health system by providing equipment and consumables to more than 300 medical facilities – including primary healthcare centers, hospitals, and laboratories, as well as transit points, enabling them to assist 3 million people,” said Habicht.
Medical professionals are working under immense stress
A WHO representative also stated that the war places a heavy burden on the shoulders of medical workers in Ukraine.
A recent WHO study showed that over a quarter of doctors and nurses report symptoms characteristic of depressive disorder, while one in five healthcare workers exhibit signs of anxiety disorder.
“Our task is to implement additional measures and support tools for those who help people and save lives,” Habicht said.
To support the psychological well-being of healthcare workers, WHO has incorporated elements of psychological first aid and self-help skills into the training programs for emergency medical teams. More than 40 specialists from 11 regions have completed the training.
The organization also implements a program designed for primary healthcare and rehabilitation professionals. More than 700 medical workers participated in it. Among the participants, a significant improvement in psychological well-being and work capacity indicators was recorded, as well as a reduction in symptoms of stress, depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Preparing for winter
Jarno Habicht warned that Ukraine faces another difficult winter, and the World Health Organization is doing everything possible to help Ukrainians prepare for the cold season.
To ensure the uninterrupted operation of medical services, WHO has already installed 30 heating systems in medical institutions. Twenty-two more are planned to be installed before winter.
Please note; This information is raw content obtained directly from the information source. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.