Ukraine on the verge of a humanitarian crisis

Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians are moving to neighboring countries, shelling urban centers across Ukraine, and unconfirmed reports of casualties and damage to housing infrastructure have raised strong international concerns.

 Prior to the recent events that have rocked the world over the past week, the eight-year conflict in eastern Ukraine has so far left three million people on both sides in need of humanitarian assistance.

Women, children, the elderly, people with disabilities, those living near the front lines of conflict and in non-governmental areas are most in need right now. They need food, shelter, health care, water and sanitation.

During the crisis in Ukraine, health must remain a pillar of humanitarian response, with protected, functional, safe and accessible health systems and facilities provided to all those in need of essential medical care, and the protection of health workers so that continue to save life.

The World Health Organization is actively seeking solutions to increase resources, possibly including oxygen imports (liquids and cylinders). This equipment requires safe transport, including through a logistics corridor through Poland. Ensuring that rescue medical supplies are in the hands of those who need them is essential.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has put more than three million people at direct risk of displacement. More than seven million children will be at risk of malnutrition, according to statistics provided by UNICEF. Ukraine's neighboring countries have limited reception capacity for refugees, which has added to international concerns. Apart from that, thousands of people have been displaced inside Ukraine. The rate of increase in IDPs who are unable to move to neighboring countries is higher than expected.

 

_{Source and Credit: RW, WHO, UN}