Kramatorsk, February 7, 2024 – Three new primary health clinics have been rehabilitated in Kramatorsk province, in the Donetsk Oblast, thanks to the support of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) in Kyiv. The intervention, carried out by EMERGENCY, is part of the Emergency Initiative funded by Italian Cooperation, which supports 26 humanitarian projects in Ukraine, reaching nearly one million beneficiaries.
Donetsk Oblast, located in eastern Ukraine on the border with Russia, is one of the regions most affected by the ongoing conflict. The clinics, previously in critical condition, have been rehabilitated through structural interventions, the provision of equipment and medicines, and the training of local healthcare personnel to ensure continuous assistance. Many of these facilities have also hired staff from the National Health System whose working hours had been reduced due to the lack of infrastructure and essential services.
“The Emergency Initiative does not only respond to the immediate needs of the population but also aims to strengthen the capacity of local communities to manage essential services in extremely difficult conditions. We work in close synergy with over 100 Italian civil society organizations and local partners, implementing 26 projects across Ukraine to provide medical care, protection, and services to nearly one million people,” explained Pietro Pipi, Head of AICS Kyiv. “In Donetsk, our support to EMERGENCY has not only enabled the restoration of healthcare facilities but also allowed for the training of local personnel and the introduction of innovative community-based healthcare models. In a context where infrastructure is severely damaged and the most vulnerable populations struggle to access basic services, our goal is to build sustainable solutions that can endure over time.”
In the last months of 2024, Kramatorsk province has witnessed intense fighting, further worsening the humanitarian crisis. The population, including elderly individuals and people with disabilities, faces increasing difficulties in accessing basic services and humanitarian aid.
“We have conducted over 2,397 initial medical consultations, with more than 40% of patients belonging to vulnerable categories. The data collected highlights urgent health needs, from managing chronic illnesses to providing mental health support,” stated Elisa De Checchi, EMERGENCY’s coordinator in Ukraine. “Nearly 4,000 home visits have been carried out by our Community Health Workers, essential figures in ensuring direct assistance to the population.” According to EMERGENCY’s data, 30% of patients seen in 2024 had not visited a doctor in two years, before the start of the conflict. This figure underscores the war’s impact on healthcare access and the importance of initiatives like this in ensuring continuous medical care.
The Italian Cooperation’s Emergency Initiative, with an investment of €46.5 million, continues to provide multisectoral humanitarian assistance in Ukraine, strengthening the resilience of the communities most affected by the conflict.
For further information:
Barbara Taccone, Communication Officer AICS Kiev
barbara.taccone@aics.gov.it