European Countries Step-up Humanitarian and Medical Assistance to Ukraine as the Conflict Continues

Abstract

On the 24th of February 2022, the Russian Federation began an unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, marking the biggest military attack in Europe since the second world war. Over 4 million people have fled their homeland within the first month of the war and have triggered a large refugee crisis with impacts far beyond the Ukrainian border. People in the neighboring countries have shown tremendous support by stepping forward to donate food, clothes, medications, money, and other essential supplies. The governments and other regional stakeholders have also been supportive in accommodating and easing regulations for the incoming refugees. Herein, we summarize the humanitarian measures and medical donations that have been made by European countries as they stepped up their efforts to provide refugees with all necessary basic services. We further highlight potential oncoming challenges in Ukraine and the host countries along with relevant solutions to these challenges. The current scenario highlights the need for multi-party and multi-level collaborations (both public and private) to tackle the emerging situation.

War-related stress scale

“…They may diminish with the disappearance of potential stressors or with a decrease in their salience on social media [see 5 , 46 ]. (3) The amount and intensity of stressors are likely to be more worrisome for people in nearby countries compared to those living further away [see 47 ]. The generalizability of the results should also be considered with caution due to geographical proximity.…”

Regarding the modernisation of medical care system for victims of armed conflicts (Ukrainian experience)

“…Governments and other regional players have also helped by lowering rules and making accommodations for the entering migrants. These further highlight possible difficulties that might arise in Ukraine and the host nations, as well as appropriate remedies to these difficulties [12][13].…”

UCRAID (Ukrainian Citizen and refugee electronic support in Respiratory diseases, Allergy, Immunology and Dermatology) action plan

“…The UN Refugee Agency (UNCHR) estimated (24 January 2023) that just under 8 million Ukrainian refugees live across Europe (https://data.unhcr.org/en/situations/ukraine, last accessed 8 July 2023). Despite the distressing environment, communities have remained unified and efficient as they showcase the European principles of solidarity and humanitarianism 22,23 . Around 5 million Ukrainian refugees have been registered for Temporary Protection or similar national European protection schemes (https://data.unhcr.org/en/situations/ukraine, last accessed, July 2023).…”

“…22,23 Around 5 million Ukrainian refugees have been registered for Temporary Protection or similar national European protection schemes (https://data.unhcr.org/en/situa tions/ ukraine, last accessed, July 2023). It is estimated that 15%-20%…”