Kyiv, 3 October 2024 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, with support from the European Union (EU) and the governments of Canada and Denmark, and in partnership with the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine, has delivered 10 specially equipped vehicles to enhance recovery and development processes at local level. These vehicles will support health care and social services in Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson, Mykolaiv, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts.

The initiative is part of UNDP’s broader efforts to bolster health care and social support systems, focusing on critical areas such as palliative care, family doctor services and psychosocial support. These efforts include providing vehicles, office equipment and furniture to medical and social institutions, particularly in war-affected communities, to optimize their operations and improve service delivery.

The 10 vehicles provided will address the increasing strain on the health care and social services system caused by the war, helping to fill gaps such as staff shortages and the lack of specialized services. The vehicles are intended to equip medical and social institutions in partner communities with the resources they need to establish mobile services and enhance their capacity to provide high-quality care.

Oksana Zholnovych, Minister of Social Policy of Ukraine, said: “The ability to deliver social services where they are most needed is key for helping Ukrainian communities recover. With the addition of these mobile service vehicles, we will be able to reach vulnerable populations more effectively, improving social work systems and support for those in need.”

Deputy Minister of Health of Ukraine, Mariia Karchevych, said: “Enhancing the mobility of health care professionals directly translates into greater access to medical services. The donated vehicles will enable medical personnel to reach the most remote and war-affected communities throughout the country. This provides vital support to Ukraine’s health care system.”

Natalka Cmoc, Ambassador of Canada to Ukraine, said: “Canada is proud to support the people of Ukraine in their recovery efforts. These mobile units will bring essential services closer to those who require them most, demonstrating our continued commitment to stand with Ukraine in its time of need.”

Rémi Duflot, Chargé d'affaires a.i. of the EU Delegation to Ukraine, said: “Through the EU4Recovery project, we work closely with the Government of Ukraine to strengthen local institutions and deliver tangible support to war-affected communities. This joint effort aims to give people better access to more and better essential services, such as healthcare. Today, we are handing over fully equipped vehicles that will allow to bring those services to some of the most affected communities. They are part of our long-term commitment to building up the resilience of these partner communities.”

Jens Alsbirk, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Denmark to Ukraine, said: “Denmark’s support reflects our dedication to helping rebuild critical infrastructure in Ukraine, with special focus on Mykolaiv Oblast, Denmark’s partner region. The delivery of these vehicles marks a step forward in ensuring communities can access the medical services even under the difficult circumstances caused by the Russian aggression.”

Jaco Cilliers, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, said: “The war has placed immense pressure on health and social systems, but through strategic collaboration with the Government of Ukraine and our development partners, we can help alleviate these burdens. The specialized vehicles will enable medical and social service providers to reach even the most remote and vulnerable communities, ensuring that no one is left behind in Ukraine’s recovery process.”

Background

The vehicles were procured and equipped by UNDP in Ukraine, in partnership with the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine, as part of projects including “EU4Recovery – Empowering Communities in Ukraine” (funded by the EU), “Mykolaiv Recovered” (funded by the Government of Denmark), and “Mobile Service Delivery for Conflict-Affected Population in Eastern Ukraine” (funded by the Government of Canada).

Media enquiries: Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Head of Communications; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org