Ukraine battles health crisis this winter amid ongoing war

As Ukraine enters its third winter of conflict following Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, the World Health Organization has raised alarms about a looming health crisis. The ongoing war has led to extensive damage to the country's energy and healthcare infrastructure, leaving millions at risk as temperatures drop. Nearly 2,000 attacks on healthcare facilities have been recorded, severely impacting the public health system. The WHO's regional director for Europe, Hans Kluge, emphasized the critical need for renewed focus on health amid these challenges. Frequent power outages threaten the storage and distribution of vaccines, potentially leading to an increase in vaccine-preventable diseases. Additionally, there are concerns about water system contamination and rising antimicrobial resistance due to improper antibiotic use. Reports indicate that some wounds are not healing due to this resistance, posing a risk that could extend beyond Ukraine's borders if effective treatments become scarce. In response to these challenges, the WHO plans to install heating units in vulnerable hospitals and establish treatment clinics in hard-to-reach areas. They are also working to provide generators and backup power solutions, alongside supporting health system reforms. Initial efforts are focused on Kharkiv, a city frequently targeted by Russian attacks. The situation remains dire, with humanitarian efforts hampered by ongoing violence, as highlighted by recent attacks on Red Cross vehicles. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for a united global response to address the crisis and push for peace, emphasizing the need for international solidarity against the ongoing terror inflicted by Russia.