By KYIV. Nov 21 (Interfax-Ukraine) – The World Health Organization (WHO) has recorded 703 cases of attacks by Russian occupiers on Ukrainian medical institutions since the beginning of the war, WHO Regional Director Dr. Hans Kluge said at a briefing in Kyiv on Monday.
He noted that against the background of serious destruction, the healthcare system is also facing challenges due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, seasonal influenza and low vaccination rates.
In addition, the preparation of the Ukrainian healthcare system for winter includes providing medical facilities with heating and generators.
Kluge also said that they see serious challenges in the occupied territories due to the fact that elderly people who have chronic diseases live there.
He said they are in contact with the group of their volunteers who carry out medical supplies to the so-called gray zones or to de-occupied areas. According to him, there is neither primary care, nor family doctor, nor pharmacies. They are trying to fill this gap thanks to their mobile teams together with the Ministry of Health.
He stressed that Ukraine is now facing a challenge that has not been there for a long time. Almost 50% of the civilian critical infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed, he said, adding that this is the beginning of a very serious winter, whereas in some areas of Ukraine the temperature may drop below 20 degrees. He stressed that this is the most serious attack on healthcare structures on the European continent since the Second World War.
