Certainly, all of these are formidable hurdles.
But when it comes to the future of health in Ukraine, I am an optimist. Because what I have seen firsthand during my many visits to Ukraine is true dedication.
So, Ukraine’s dedicated government, Health Minister Viktor Lyashko, and dedicated health and care workers – exhausted by the double whammy of COVID-19 and war, but doing well – Working 24/7 – To all of them, I say WHO. No matter what happens, I will always be with you and always will be.
To Ukraine’s dedicated neighbors who have hosted refugees – mainly women, children and the elderly – I urge the WHO to demonstrate our common humanity and emphasize that health is a human right. I say thank you for that.
To our dedicated donors in this country, from the EU to organizations as far afield as the United States, the Middle East and Asia, we would like to say that WHO is grateful for your continued solidarity. But your generous support for Ukraine’s health must remain unwavering.
At this critical juncture, where the country has been working hard to achieve health for all, and that goal is well within reach, taking our foot off the pedal now would be a challenge for the past two years. It would undo and possibly reverse all the gains made in the past.
We owe it to resilient Ukrainian people, like that boy I met in Kiev, and the amazing health care system that serves them, to prevent this from happening and to help them. We have an obligation to make sure that you can count on us now and in the future.
