The war in Ukraine has forced a reorganization of various medical facilities and, unfortunately, has led to a severe shortage. Many communities—small and large—no longer have clinics and hospitals, or, even if they do, are unable to meet the new needs. Millions of displaced people have moved within the country , often settling in cities that are unable to provide medical care for such large numbers of patients.
In the Vinnytsia region (central Ukraine) alone, there are more than 150,000 internally displaced persons (data updated as of December 2023). They are mostly families of different generations: parents, grandparents, children; and not all of them intend to return to their homes once the war is over. This growing population creates obvious challenges in healthcare provision.
Often, these families have settled far from cities, or are unable to reach larger towns for medical checkups or to buy medicine. In the most remote areas of the Vinnytsia region, even calling an ambulance can be difficult.
It is therefore necessary to carry out disease prevention work and, at the same time, create the conditions so that anyone can see a doctor if they need it.
With this new project in Ukraine, AMU, together with the local Caritas-Spes, is providing regular access to medical advice, both in the city and beyond. Mobile teams will travel to the most remote areas of the Vinnytsia region where there are no clinics. They will include a family doctor, a gynecologist, a cardiologist, an ophthalmologist, and a psychologist.
Early diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases are essential for the population. The interventions of AMU and Caritas-Spes not only address immediate health needs, but also lay the foundation for the development of Ukrainian society that extends beyond the emergency phase.
(Project made possible thanks to the contribution of the 8xmille funds of the Italian Buddhist Union)