Ukraine, WHO: “We fear mortality from common diseases will increase”
In Ukraine, grappling with the conflict, “the excess of morbidity and death from common diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers” that may be generated “as a result of the interruption of” health services and “acute pathologies are also worrying. maternal, neonatal and infantile “. It is one of the chapters identified as a priority by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the first ‘situation report’ dedicated to the emergency in the country. Fears are also expressed on the mental and psychosocial health front, due to “the significant stress caused by an acute conflict” that falls into the lives of Ukrainians “after 2 years of Covid-19”. Non-communicable diseases, WHO explains, “are the leading cause of premature death in Ukraine”. Due to disruption of medical supply lines, “continuity of care is one of the greatest challenges for patients in need of long-term care, including those with long-term need for medications to treat” chronic “conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, as well as for patients with cancer “. Access to health care “is equally necessary for taking care of urgent medical needs such as safe births and neonatal emergencies and for the health of children”. Providing assistance in fixed facilities or mobile health services and having key medical, pharmaceutical and diagnostic supplies available “is a priority”. Today, WHO explains, “supply chains have jumped in Ukraine, creating an urgent need. Many distributors are not operational and many government and humanitarian stocks are inaccessible due to ongoing military operations. There is a shortage of life-saving medicines and essentials, such as oxygen and insulin, personal protective equipment, surgical supplies, anesthetics and blood products. WHO is working to alleviate some of these deficiencies. “
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