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Resources - Ukraine

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Ukraine
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The latest news about how WHO Europe is responding to the health emergency in Ukraine

UNICEF describes the impact of the war on children and what it is trying to do to relieve their suffering.

Read about how the UN Refugees Agency is acting to help people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. 

The latest news about how the IOM is responding to situation in Ukraine

All the Lancet's articles about the health and humanitarian crisis.

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Directives and Statements

"This Directive allows displaced persons (from Ukraine) to enjoy harmonised rights across the Union that offer an adequate level of protection, including a residence permit, the possibility to engage in employed or self-employed activities, access to suitable accommodation, the necessary social welfare assistance, medical or other assistance, and means of subsistence". 

The EU’s commitment to help those in need is unwavering. We will live up to our values and receive everyone fleeing Russian aggression with respect and humanity. 

We will continue to step up the effective delivery of emergency assistance and humanitarian aid. Solidarity is the keystone for the EU as we meet the refugee challenge in the coming months.

The Global Society's statement on the situation in Ukraine

The Association of Schools of Public Health of the European Region sets out its position in response to the invasion and describes the five main actions it aims to take (Available in multiple language translations).

The European Public Health Association condemns the military invasion by Russia with its dire consequences for health.

 

Reports and Research

International Organization for Migration (IOM)

In a new report, the IOM estimate 7.1 million people had been internally displaced in Ukraine by 1 April.

This document offers public health guidance for the prevention and control of COVID-19 in reception centres, and other temporary accommodation facilities, in the context of the mass influx of Ukrainian people into the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and the Republic of Moldova.

This report from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) provides useful guidance about ensuring continuity of routine vaccinations, early diagnoses, continuity of treatment and care for people displaced as a result of the conflict. It stresses that these are only some of the numerous health challenges that are being created.

MichaÅ‚ Wypych , MichaÅ‚ Bilewicz (Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology)

This study of 726 Ukrainian immigrants living in Poland found that those who had experienced hateful speech in Poland were more likely  to experience  mental health problems such as PTSD and depression than those who had not. 

 

Analysis and Comment

Seithikurippu R. Pandi-Perumal, Velayudhan Mohan Kumar, et al. (Sleep and Vigilance)

In this editorial, 66 scientists draw on evidence from previous wars to underline the catastrophic consequences of the war in Ukraine. In particular, they highlight the severe and long-term mental health consequences for many involved. Further educational deficits will be experienced by millions of children on top of those from the Covid-19 pandemic. They make the case for science as a force for good, urging mutual trust and a reliance on negotiations and diplomacy rather than violence. They end by quoting Mahatma Ghandi:  "I see neither bravery nor sacrifice in destroying life or property for offence or defense."

Sebastiano A G Lava , Daniele de Luca et al. (Eur J Pediatr)

This editorial  by paediatricians categorises the numerous ways in which the war in Ukraine and war in general can affect children, the consequences for their health and wellbeing and possible solutions.  Children in the attacking country are harmed as well as those being attacked.  They conclude: 'We will continue our daily clinical, research, teaching and editorial work, convinced today more than ever that “whoever preserves a single life, is considered to have spared a complete world” '

Tim Lang, Martin McKee (BMJ)

This article highlights the global importance of Ukraine as a producer of grains and vegetable oils. The war in Ukraine threatens trapped and fleeing Ukrainians with hunger and malnutrition. If Ukrainian agricultural production and export are prevented, as is already happening, the soaring worldwide cost of grains and oils threatens to cause hunger among the poorest in even affluent countries and starvation of millions in many poor countries.  Rapid action is called for. 

Sonny S Patel , Timothy B Erickson (Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness)

This letter describes the emerging major public health issues, such as shortages of healthcare professionals, chronic care treatments and health prevention services, disinformation communication campaigns affecting the healthcare infrastructure, and the generational impact of the conflict on people’s mental health. The authors call for an immediate  global response including humanitarian assistance, food security, clean water supplies, adequate shelter, and safe transportation out of the active military zones.

David Bürgin and colleagues (European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry)

This scoping policy editorial informs about the three approaches to provide the mental health support for children affected from war.

Gareth lacobucci.  (BMJ) 

This reports about the guidance to GPs in the UK on treating refugees from Ukraine.

Martin McKee (BMJ)

This editorial describes the serious public health threat created by the invasion and highlights three main actions that should be taken.

Anonymous MSF staff member (BMJ)

This article describes the experiences of a Médicin Sans Frontière staff member forced to flee Kyiv for safety

Julian Sheather (BMJ)

This article focusses on the multiple and enduring effect of war on health. 

Simar S Bajaj, Fatima Cody Stanford (BMJ)

This article points to the evidence for racism experienced by some Africans and Asians fleeing from Ukraine, reflecting "a broader history of institutional racism" in Europe and the US.

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