As Ukraine marks three years since the full-scale Russian invasion, the country’s healthcare system continues to face mounting challenges—from targeted attacks on medical facilities to widespread mental health crises and ongoing workforce shortages.

In a recent interview with Euronews Health, Halyna Skipalska, CEO of the Ukrainian Foundation for Public Health (UFPH) and Ukraine Country Director for HealthRight International, highlighted the rising mental health burden and the urgent need for specialized support.

“There is an increased number of different mental health disorders, and it’s very important because if it’s not treated, [it can lead to] depression, suicide, and different food disorders within adolescents,”said Skipalska.

“Mental health issues are very important now and particularly as a sort of third-year issue. In the first year, you are more optimistic, by the second or third year, there’s more fatigue.”

The mental health crisis is deepening, with more than 30% of Ukrainian households under severe psychological stress. Meanwhile, UFPH and HealthRight are at the forefront of addressing this crisis, providing psychosocial support, trauma counseling, and gender-based violence response services through initiatives like SafeWomenHub and mobile clinics.

Despite these efforts, attacks on healthcare infrastructure, staff burnout, and critical funding shortfalls threaten access to care for millions. As the war continues, sustained international support is crucial to ensuring Ukraine’s healthcare system can withstand the next chapter of this crisis.

Read the full article on Euronews Health