Ukraine’s Health Crisis Deepens as War Enters Fifth Year
As the conflict in Ukraine stretches into its fifth year, the nation’s healthcare system is facing unprecedented strain. Attacks on healthcare facilities have reached record levels, and access to essential medical services is dwindling, leaving millions vulnerable.
Escalating Attacks on Healthcare
2025 witnessed the highest number of attacks on healthcare in Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. At least 2881 attacks have been documented by the World Health Organization (WHO), impacting health workers, facilities, ambulances, and medical warehouses. The third quarter of 2025 saw a particularly sharp increase, with 184 attacks resulting in 12 deaths and 110 injuries among healthcare personnel and patients. Attacks on medical warehouses tripled compared to the previous year, severely disrupting supply chains.
These attacks are not merely statistics; they represent violations of international humanitarian law and directly impede the delivery of life-saving care. Over the past four years, 233 health workers and patients have been killed, and 930 injured.
The Ripple Effect of Infrastructure Damage
The crisis extends beyond direct attacks. Strikes on civilian infrastructure, particularly energy facilities, are having a cascading effect on health. Damage to thermal power plants and other energy sources has left millions without heating, electricity, and water, exacerbating health problems and hindering recovery. In Kyiv, a January 2026 attack left nearly 6000 buildings without heat, forcing an estimated 600,000 residents to evacuate.
The WHO reports that 59% of people in frontline areas describe their health as poor or very poor, compared to 47% in non-frontline areas. This disparity highlights the devastating impact of the conflict on those closest to the fighting.
Growing Health Needs and Limited Access
The war has fueled a surge in health needs, including trauma injuries, mental health issues, and chronic diseases. However, access to care remains a significant barrier. A staggering 72% of Ukrainians surveyed reported experiencing anxiety or depression in the past year, yet only one in five sought assist. Cardiovascular disease is also on the rise, with one in four Ukrainians experiencing dangerously high blood pressure. Four out of five people report difficulty accessing the medicines they need, often due to high prices.
Rehabilitation services are critically limited, with only 4% of hospitals offering inpatient rehabilitation and 3% providing assistive technologies like prosthetics.
WHO’s Response and Future Needs
In 2025, the WHO reached 1.9 million people across Ukraine through service delivery, medical supplies, referrals, and capacity-building, focusing on frontline and hard-to-reach locations. The organization delivered trauma care and medical supplies to 954 facilities, supported over 1200 medical evacuations, and conducted outreach in 131 hard-to-reach areas.
The WHO has provided 284 generators to health facilities across 23 oblasts to help maintain essential services. Looking ahead to 2026, the WHO is appealing for US$42 million in funding to sustain its work and protect access to care for 700,000 people.
The Human Cost: Stories from the Frontlines
The statistics paint a grim picture, but behind each number is a human story. Dr. Jarno Habicht, WHO Representative to Ukraine, describes a devastating cycle: attacks on heating stations exit thousands without heat, freezing pipes burst, and families struggle to survive in freezing, dark homes. This impacts not only those receiving initial care in hospitals but also those recovering at home, turning medical progress into a daily fight for survival.
FAQ
Q: What is the biggest challenge facing Ukraine’s healthcare system?
A: The combination of direct attacks on healthcare facilities and the indirect impact of infrastructure damage is creating a severe crisis.
Q: How is the WHO helping?
A: The WHO is providing medical supplies, supporting evacuations, rebuilding facilities, and training healthcare workers.
Q: What are the long-term mental health consequences of the war?
A: 72% of Ukrainians surveyed reported experiencing anxiety or depression, highlighting a significant and growing mental health crisis.
Q: Is access to medication a problem?
A: Yes, 80% of people report difficulty accessing the medicines they need, primarily due to high prices.
Did you know? Attacks on healthcare facilities are a violation of international humanitarian law.
Pro Tip: Supporting organizations like the WHO is crucial for providing essential healthcare to those affected by the conflict.
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