Kyiv, April 07, 2025

After six years of dedicated efforts, the EU-funded project ‘Support to Ukraine for Developing a Modern Public Health System’ is reaching a successful conclusion. Implemented by one of the leading European consulting companies GFA Consulting Group in Germany and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare from May 2019 to May 2025 with a budget of € 5.8 million, the project has played a pivotal role in modernising Ukraine’s public health system and aligning it with EU standards. The initiative has fostered sustainable improvements in disease prevention, blood safety, and digitalisation, leaving a lasting impact on the country’s healthcare infrastructure.

The project has made a significant contribution to the enhancement of Ukraine’s healthcare institutions, strengthening their capacity to deliver improved health outcomes for the population. One of the most notable achievements is the modernisation of the country’s blood safety system. A restructured and centrally coordinated blood transfusion system has been established, ensuring sustainable blood management, regulatory compliance, and improved patient safety. Key developments included the creation of a national blood donor registry, an appointment system, and a comprehensive blood management information system ‘eKrov’.

In parallel, the project supported the consolidation and empowerment of the State Institution “Public Health Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine” (UPHC), equipping it to operate in line with scientific, technological, and epidemiological developments. Through advisory services and expert consultations, the initiative contributed to improved governance and strategic planning in critical areas of public health. This institutional strengthening underpins broader reform efforts and enhances the resilience of the public health system.

Legal and regulatory reform was another significant cornerstone of the project. A comprehensive series of laws and regulations were developed to align Ukraine’s health governance with EU requirements. This included the drafting of several new laws and by-laws aimed at enhancing disease surveillance, epidemiological response, and public health coordination. These legislative changes form the basis for sustained improvements and regulatory compliance within the health sector.

To ensure that the reform process is sustainable, the project invested heavily in human capital. More than 1,500 healthcare professionals benefited from specialised training programs, workshops, and study visits. A training-of-trainers model helped institutionalise knowledge transfer, enabling ongoing edu-cation and capacity development beyond the project’s duration.

The project also advanced digitalisation and emergency preparedness by introducing innovative tools to strengthen the continuity of care, particularly during crises. The modernisation of the medical emergency information system at the primary healthcare level marked a significant step forward in building a more resilient health infrastructure for Ukraine.

Public awareness and community engagement were also key elements of the project’s success. A nation-wide communication campaign promoting voluntary blood donation reached over two million potential donors. In addition, an online platform providing healthcare information for displaced persons served more than 22,000 visitors between June 2022 and November 2023, offering critical support during a time of national upheaval.

“We’re pleased to have supported Ukraine in this important step towards a modern, more resilient healthcare system. This project reflects the strong partnership between the EU and Ukraine, and its impact will be felt for years to come. By working together on key areas like blood safety, disease prevention, and digitalisation, we are helping to build a healthcare system that meets the needs of all Ukrainians. We are committed to continuing this journey with Ukraine as it moves closer to EU integration”, said Henrik Huitfeldt, Head of Section for Public Finance, Business Support, and Social Policies at the EU Delegation to Ukraine.

"Ukraine's European integration is our strategic choice and, at the same time, a comprehensive process of transformation that touches every aspect of public life, including healthcare. Advancing European integration in the healthcare sector is a crucial step in building a modern, efficient system centred on people’s needs. Strengthening cooperation with the European Union means adopting high standards in healthcare, ensuring the safety and quality of medical services and pharmaceuticals. The profound transformation of Ukraine’s healthcare system will enhance our citizens’ quality of life and deepen our partnership with the European community. I sincerely appreciate everyone contributing to this vital effort and supporting us on our path to European integration," said Viktor Liashko, Minister of Health of Ukraine.

“The Ministry of Health of Ukraine is sincerely grateful to the Delegation of the European Union to Ukraine for its continued support in building the public health system and ensuring blood safety. Thanks to joint efforts, we have managed to adapt national legislation to EU requirements, develop key public health initiatives and prepare for screening meetings in Brussels. Despite the challenges ahead, close cooperation with the EU remains an important factor in accelerating Ukraine's European integration,” added Maryna Slobodnichenko, the Deputy Minister of Health of Ukraine.

The completion of this project marks a significant milestone in Ukraine’s public health reform. By strengthening institutions, modernising infrastructure, and enhancing policy frameworks, the initiative has established a foundation for continued improvements in healthcare service delivery. The collaboration between Ukrainian authorities and EU public health entities, including the ECDC and DG SANTE, has set the stage for ongoing knowledge exchange and policy alignment.

As Ukraine continues its journey toward EU integration, the results achieved through this project will contribute to a more resilient, effective, and sustainable public health system.

Background information: 

Chapter 22 of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement envisages the harmonization of Ukraine’s legislation and practices in the health sector with those of the EU, particularly in areas such as communicable diseases, blood safety, and tobacco control. The “Support to Ukraine for Developing a Modern Public Health System” project was implemented by GFA Consulting Group GmbH (Germany) and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) from 2019 to 2025, with a total budget of EUR 5,815,980. 

For media inquiries, please contact project assistant Daria Demut via e-mail: Daria.Demut@gfa-group.de