In a critical move to support Ukraine’s war-affected healthcare system, five hospitals in Kharkiv city and its surrounding region have been equipped with modern water treatment stations. The project, led by the World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with Ukraine’s Ministry of Health and funded by the European Union (EU), is helping hospitals maintain uninterrupted access to safe and clean water, a vital need in areas facing daily attacks and frequent infrastructure breakdowns.

The installation of these systems is particularly important for frontline areas like Kharkiv, where repeated shelling often disrupts electricity and water supplies, forcing hospitals to operate under severe constraints.

“Power and water outages still occur frequently, especially during heavy shelling. If we lose power, we can switch to generators. But without water, the hospital cannot function properly,” said Dmytro Otchenashko, Public Procurement Specialist at Chuhuiv Central Hospital, one of the five hospitals to receive the new system.

A Lifeline for Hospitals and Patients

The war has significantly damaged Ukraine’s infrastructure, making groundwater contamination a growing concern. When the central water supply fails, hospitals cannot rely on untreated sources, especially when performing surgeries, delivering babies, or caring for vulnerable patients.

The new WHO-installed water treatment stations offer a solution. Each unit is equipped with multi-stage purification systems, starting with mechanical filtration and disinfection. Depending on the hospital’s needs, additional processes such as iron removal, water softening, or reverse osmosis are also used to meet the highest standards of water purity.

One of the main beneficiaries is Chuhuiv Hospital, which houses a maternity ward. In 2024, 179 babies were delivered at the facility, which now has reliable access to clean water—even during blackouts or supply disruptions.

“Thanks to EU support, these water treatment stations are enabling communities to rely on their hospitals even under the threat of ongoing hostilities,” said Dr. Jarno Habicht, WHO Representative and Head of WHO Country Office in Ukraine. “Access to clean water is essential, especially in critical care units like maternity wards.”

Building a Resilient Health System

The water treatment installations are part of WHO’s broader emergency response and recovery program in Ukraine. This initiative aims to strengthen the resilience of the country’s healthcare infrastructure by providing essential utilities like water purification systems, heating units, and backup generators.

Each water station is customized to the specific challenges faced by individual hospitals, using energy-efficient technologies to minimize power consumption and ensure uninterrupted care delivery.

As Ukraine continues to grapple with the impacts of war, such efforts are vital in helping its healthcare system stay functional—and lifesaving.

“These systems are more than just machines,” added Dr. Habicht. “They represent a commitment to the health and dignity of every patient, even in the hardest of times.”