Special session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe adopts a resolution on health emergency in Ukraine

The virtual special session was called by Ukraine and 42 other Member States, including all 27 European Union Member States.

The resolution on ‘Health emergency in Ukraine and neighbouring countries, stemming from the Russian Federation's aggression’ was adopted by a large majority of Member States: of the 48 Member States present to vote, 43 voted in favour of adopting the resolution. The European Union and its 27 Member States fully supported the resolution.

“Ukraine’s health system is facing multiple challenges such as the impact on maternal and newborn health, on people living with HIV/AIDS, on prevention and treatment of NCDs, in particular for the elderly, as well as on mental health. The fundamental right to health of the people of Ukraine must be preserved, especially the most vulnerable groups. The aggression also heightens the risk of the emergence and spread of infectious diseases given its impact on vaccination rates and on the water, sanitation and hygiene conditions. It also raises the risks of human trafficking and gender-based violence, food insecurity and potential nuclear and chemical hazards,” says the EU in its statement at the Special Session and continues:

“Deliberate attacks on health care continue. The European Union calls on Russia to stop attacks on healthcare facilities immediately and to allow the safe evacuation of civilians who wish to leave to a destination of their choice. Free and safe access for those delivering medical and humanitarian assistance must also be ensured. The European Union and its 27 Member States convey their solidarity with, and deep respect for, all health workers that are working tirelessly to uphold the health of people in Ukraine.

Over 25 thousand tonnes of humanitarian assistance have been channelled to Ukraine via the Union Civil Protection Mechanism. The European Union is also providing medical evacuation to the patients in need to get treatment outside Ukraine, including mainly - but not exclusively - wounded, burn and cancer patients. Access to medical care is also provided for the refugees fleeing Ukraine and arriving to the EU. Mental health services to support the needs of refugees are also being established, mainly in the neighbouring countries with hotlines for psychological support.

For the sake of safeguarding health and peace in the region and globally, the European Union calls on Russia to immediately cease its military actions in Ukraine and respect its responsibilities under the international law.”

The full EU statement can be read here.