In a move to bolster Ukraine’s healthcare system during ongoing conflict, the World Health Organization (WHO), with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Government of Germany, has donated 23 ambulances to the Ministry of Health of Ukraine. These ambulances, which function as mobile intensive care units, are intended to provide emergency medical care and transport critically ill patients between hospitals and to healthcare facilities across the country.

Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, highlighted the importance of these donations during his sixth visit to Ukraine since the war began in 2022. "We are donating additional emergency vehicles to Ukraine to improve the timeliness and quality of health services amid the war and strengthen the capacity of the health system in responding to wartime challenges,” he said.

Dr. Jarno Habicht, WHO’s Representative in Ukraine, emphasized the organization’s dedication to ensuring medical services remain available despite the war. "Together with partners, we hand over Type C ambulances to enable access to essential and life-saving medical care for Ukrainian patients during hospital transportation," he noted.

Each ambulance is fully equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology, including defibrillators, ventilators, oxygen delivery systems, and trauma care equipment. This ensures that critically ill patients receive vital care during transit. The ambulances will be distributed to regions across the country, including Dnipro, Donetsk, Kharkiv, Odesa, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia, areas heavily affected by the conflict.

The ongoing war has severely impacted Ukraine’s medical infrastructure, with nearly 600 ambulances destroyed or damaged. Viktor Liashko, Ukraine’s Minister of Health, expressed his gratitude for the international support. “Under constant shelling and targeted attacks on medical infrastructure, we are doing everything possible to provide medical care. The 23 ambulances delivered today will significantly strengthen our medical system, allowing for life-saving assistance to patients in critical condition during transportation.”

Julie Koenen, USAID Mission Director, reaffirmed the United States' commitment to Ukraine, stressing the importance of continued support for essential services. "These ambulances are just one example of the wide range of health assistance we are working to provide the Ukrainian people. Our partners are on the front lines, evacuating vulnerable populations and delivering essential health services every day,” she said.

Germany’s involvement also extends beyond the provision of ambulances, with Marcus Koll, Head of Cooperation at the German Embassy in Kyiv, highlighting the nation’s long-standing support for Ukraine. "Besides our support for reconstruction, Germany is committed to knowledge transfer through the qualification of Ukrainian healthcare workers. Our Hospital Partnership Programme connects over 70 Ukrainian hospitals with 30 German facilities, fostering the development of Ukraine’s healthcare system," he explained.

Since the escalation of the war on February 24, 2022, WHO and its partners have donated 137 ambulances to Ukraine, a vital contribution to maintaining the country’s health services amid the ongoing conflict.