Massive Russian Strike Interrupts Health and Humanitarian Aid Access in Ukraine

Washington, DC (30 December 2022) – Project HOPE– the global health and humanitarian aid organization – is continuing to respond in Ukraine following one of the largest Russian strikes since the invasion in February. The latest barrage of missile strikes across Ukraine continues to target civilians, effectively disrupting health and humanitarian aid access and causing widespread power outages at a time when temperatures are near freezing.

Project HOPE has been working in Ukraine since the Russian invasion in late February, supporting health clinics with supplies and medicines, reconstructing medical facilities, training nurses and doctors on trauma and wound care, and providing mental health support to those impacted by the war. Additionally, Project HOPE is operating in the neighboring countries of Moldova, Poland, and Romania to ensure that Ukrainian refugees – particularly women, children, and the elderly – have access to primary care and mental health support. In recent months, Project HOPE teams have expanded into the newly liberated areas of Eastern Ukraine to launch mobile medical units and distribute health and hygiene kits to communities who were unable to access health care during the Russian occupation.

“As people around the world celebrate the holidays with their loved ones, Ukrainians continue to brace themselves against a deadly Russian offensive. The latest missile strikes have not only threatened civilian lives, but they have also cut off access to electricity, health services, and humanitarian aid, which is particularly deadly during winter,” said Chris Skopec, Project HOPE’s Executive Vice President of Global Health. “The Ukrainian people need our support more than ever and Project HOPE remains committed to continuing our response in every way we can.”

How Project HOPE has responded in Ukraine to date:

• Supported 120 health facilities in Ukraine with medicines and medical supplies in underserved areas
• Delivered $8.5 million in medicine, medical supplies, and other relief
• Provided mental health consultations to 3,300 internally displaced Ukrainians in shelters
• Trained 1,387 health workers in trauma care, mental health, and other skills
• Distributed 34,000 hygiene kits and non-food items
• Donated 300 wheelchairs, 22 hospital-grade generators, and 5 vehicles to health facilities
• Began reconstruction on 10 health and social facilities
• Provided emergency and ongoing medical services and medications to refugees
• Established 9 child playrooms for Ukrainian refugee children in Moldova and provided medical care for 5,800 children in Poland

To schedule an interview, please contact Courtney Ridgway:media@projecthope.org

About Project HOPE
Founded in 1958, Project HOPE is a leading global health and humanitarian organization operating in more than 25 countries around the world. We work side-by-side with local health systems to save lives and improve health. Our mission is at the epicenter of today’s greatest health challenges, including infectious and chronic diseases, disasters and health crises, maternal, neonatal and child health and the policies that impact how health care is delivered. For more information on Project HOPE and its work around the world, visit www.ProjectHOPE.org and follow us on Twitter @ProjectHOPEorg