- Hans Kluge, the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Europe noted on October 14, 2022, that WHO’s main priorities included continuing support for the 150 partners on the ground and urgent response to the 620 Russian attacks against healthcare objects in Ukraine that have occurred since the start of the war.
Source: Hans Kluge, the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Europe
WHO also has concerns about the health of people in Ukraine, and “winter’s challenges.”
“Wintertime challenges, and the recent escalation in fighting, could add to significant internal displacement with an anticipated two to three million people on the move in Ukraine itself as well as another exodus of refugees to surrounding countries. Consequently, there will be an even greater strain on health services both in Ukraine and refugee-receiving countries.”
In addition, according to the WHO, the mental health problems of Ukrainians will intensify.
“Ten million people… are potentially at risk of mental disorders, including acute stress, anxiety, depression, substance abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder,” Hans Kluge said, adding that this estimate was made before the recent escalation in Ukraine.
See also: Russian troops shelled the mental hospital during evacuation of patients – 4 doctors were killed
