Sweden and Ukraine deepen cooperation in healthcare: conference on rebuilding Ukraine's medical system held in Stockholm
On 15 December, the Second Conference Promoting the Revival and Development of Ukraine's Healthcare System was held in Stockholm. The event was organised by the Swedish Ministry of Social Affairs in cooperation with the Swecare Foundation.
The conference was a continuation of the strategic partnership launched in December 2023 following the signing of an intergovernmental agreement between Sweden and Ukraine. The event was opened by Swedish Minister for Social Affairs and Public Health Jakob Forssmed. Ukrainian Minister of Health Viktor Liashko also joined the discussion in a video address.
Overall, the conference brought together representatives of government agencies from both countries, medical institutions, civil society, the scientific community, and international organisations. The main focus was on deepening bilateral cooperation, assessing the results achieved, and identifying further steps to support the Ukrainian healthcare system.
The discussion focused on the challenges facing Ukraine's healthcare sector in the context of full-scale war, the need to strengthen the resilience of medical infrastructure, support for key reforms, the development of rehabilitation services, combating antibiotic resistance, cancer care, and strengthening international partnerships.
The parties also discussed consistent support for the Ukrainian healthcare system by financing critical government functions through the World Bank and the European Union. In particular, the five-year Strategy for Support to Recovery and Reform in Ukraine for 2023–2027 provides for SEK 9 billion to strengthen the capacity of state institutions, develop democratic processes and support Ukraine's European integration course.
These efforts are part of Sweden's broader and consistent support for Ukraine since the first days of the full-scale invasion. The total amount of aid already amounts to approximately SEK 109 billion, of which SEK 19.4 billion is aid to the civilian sector. This includes humanitarian aid through international organisations, the supply of medical equipment, support for the evacuation of patients, the strengthening of energy infrastructure and the provision of shelters.
The conference in Stockholm was another important step towards strengthening the Ukrainian-Swedish partnership in the field of healthcare. The cooperation continues.
It should be noted that Sweden recently joined the European integration processes in the pharmaceutical industry and the establishment of the SCA (State Control Authority).
Background information
The initiatives are coordinated with the support of the Swedish Social Insurance Agency and the Swecare Foundation.