As Ukraine enters its fifth year under full-scale invasion, the nation’s healthcare system is facing unprecedented strain. A disturbing trend has emerged: attacks on healthcare facilities and personnel escalated sharply in 2025, increasing by nearly 20% compared to the previous year. This surge in violence, coupled with relentless strikes on critical infrastructure, is creating a devastating health crisis, leaving millions struggling to access even basic medical care.
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) has documented at least 2881 attacks on healthcare in Ukraine, impacting not only doctors and nurses but also essential services like ambulances and medical warehouses. The situation is particularly dire in frontline areas, where access to care is severely limited and the risk of further attacks remains constant. The ongoing conflict is not simply a military struggle; it’s a direct assault on the fundamental right to health.
Escalating Violence and its Impact on Healthcare Access
The intensification of attacks on healthcare reached a peak in the third quarter of 2025, resulting in 184 incidents that tragically claimed the lives of 12 individuals and injured 110 healthcare workers and patients. Simultaneously, attacks targeting medical warehouses tripled compared to 2024, severely disrupting vital supply chains and hindering the delivery of essential medicines and medical supplies across the country. Over the past four years, a total of 233 health workers and patients have been killed, and 930 injured, in attacks on healthcare – actions that constitute clear violations of international humanitarian law.
Beyond direct attacks, the destruction of civilian infrastructure, particularly energy facilities, is exacerbating the health crisis. Multiple strikes on power plants this winter have left millions without heating, electricity, and water, creating a cascade of health problems. In Kyiv alone, a January 2026 attack left nearly 6000 buildings without heat in subzero conditions, prompting an estimated 600,000 residents to flee the capital, according to reports.
Growing Health Needs and Systemic Challenges
The WHO assessment conducted in December 2025 revealed a stark disparity in health perceptions between frontline and non-frontline areas. 59% of individuals in frontline regions reported their health as poor or very poor, compared to 47% in areas further from the conflict. This underscores the direct link between ongoing violence and deteriorating health outcomes.
“After four years of war, health needs are increasing, but many people are unable to get the care they need, in part because hospitals and clinics are routinely attacked,” stated Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “WHO is working alongside Ukraine’s dedicated health workers to keep hospitals supplied with the means to stay warm, and the medicines people rely on the most. The best medicine is peace.”
The demand for healthcare services is surging, driven by war-related trauma injuries, but access to essential care remains severely limited. Only 4% of hospitals provide inpatient rehabilitation, and a mere 3% offer assistive technologies like prosthetics. Access to medicines is a persistent barrier, with 80% of Ukrainians reporting difficulties obtaining the medications they need, primarily due to high costs (71%). In frontline regions, closed pharmacies, security risks, and financial constraints further compound the problem.
Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, highlighted the profound mental health toll of the war, stating, “Four years of war has created a serious health crisis in Ukraine. Mental health needs are staggering: 72% of people surveyed experienced anxiety or depression in the past year, yet only one in five sought help.” Cardiovascular disease is also on the rise, with one in four Ukrainians experiencing dangerously high blood pressure.
WHO’s Response and Future Needs
In 2025, the WHO reached 1.9 million people across Ukraine through a comprehensive range of services, including trauma care, medical supplies, evacuations, and capacity-building initiatives, with a particular focus on frontline and hard-to-reach locations. The organization has also provided 284 generators to health facilities across 23 oblasts to help maintain essential services.
Looking ahead, the WHO is appealing for $42 million in funding for 2026 to sustain its work in Ukraine and ensure access to care for 700,000 people. This funding will be crucial for continuing crisis response efforts, supporting recovery initiatives, and rebuilding a battered healthcare system.
The situation in Ukraine remains deeply concerning, and the ongoing attacks on healthcare represent a grave threat to the health and well-being of the population. Sustained international support and a commitment to protecting healthcare workers and facilities are essential to mitigating the devastating consequences of this conflict.
Disclaimer: This article provides informational content about a public health crisis and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
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