On 13 June 2023, the third meeting of the Sectoral Working Group on Health took place. The meeting discussed topical issues of coordination in eliminating the consequences of the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam blast, reconstruction of the healthcare system, the state of preparation of the healthcare development strategy until 2030, the Ministry of Health's plans and priorities for European integration, as well as systemic issues of effective intersectoral cooperation.

“We have been coordinating our efforts to counter russian terrorism for over a year now. And I am grateful to everyone who joins this work and helps us to hold the medical front. Today, Ukraine and the medical system in particular are facing another challenge – the russians have blown up the dam of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant. As a result, 46 settlements with 60,000 inhabitants have been flooded. A further 14,000 people are affected in the territory of Kherson region temporarily occupied by russia. Hazardous chemicals and lubricants, infectious agents from cemeteries, toilets, landfills, etc. have leaked into water and soil. We are working 24/7 to protect the lives and health of our citizens in extremely difficult conditions. On Sunday, I personally visited the affected areas. I checked their readiness to respond properly to possible outbreaks of infectious diseases, as well as the state of staffing and logistical support of medical facilities. We are preparing for any scenario. And the support of the international community is extremely important here,” said Minister of Health Viktor Liashko.

According to the Minister, in order to respond effectively to this challenge, it is essential to coordinate all capacities and international technical assistance in one centre, led by the WHO Country Office in Ukraine. This is where the Ministry of Health will send all information on the situation and needs.

According to Jarno Habicht, Head of the WHO Country Office in Ukraine, the WHO, together with the CDC, UNICEF and USAID, has already formed and almost completed a priority aid package for water disinfection and other operational medical needs in the flood-affected regions.

The key to effective cross-sectoral cooperation is a clear understanding of the stages of work and the responsibilities of each of the parties involved. To ensure that all partners are “on the same page”, Deputy Minister of Health Maryna Slobodnichenko presented to the partners a general algorithm for coordinating interaction between the Ministry of Health and international technical assistance projects, as well as the current division of responsibilities among the updated team of deputy ministers of health.

“Effective interaction and coordination among partners is a key component of addressing the consequences of the war and rebuilding the health system. Your participation and expertise as members of the Sectoral Group is very important to us, as it is at your level that we receive political endorsement of the state policy framework in a particular area that has already been developed by the Ministry together with advisory working groups,” explained Maryna Slobodnichenko.

Background

The Sectoral Working Group currently has 69 members. They include representatives of the Presidential Office, the Government, the National Security and Defence Council, the Verkhovna Rada, foreign embassies (Germany, Switzerland, Norway, Canada, Lithuania, France, Norway, and the Netherlands), the EU delegation, UN agencies (WHO, UNDP, UNICEF, UNAIDS, IOM), international development agencies (USAID, JICA, SDC), financial institutions (World Bank, EIB and EBRD), the Public Health Centre, the Ministry of Health, the State Enterprise “E-Health”, patient organisations, community associations and analytical centres. It is co-chaired by Minister of Health Viktor Liashko, Head of the WHO Country Office in Ukraine Jarno Habicht, and Director of the USAID Ukraine Health Office Ben Zinner.