This was discussed during an online meeting between Viktor Liashko, Minister of Health of Ukraine, and Stella Kyriakides, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety.

“I would like to thank the European Commission for its continued support and prompt response to the challenges faced by our health system as a result of full-scale war. Together, we are overcoming them and moving forward by working together on pressing health issues. The recent satellite summit of health ministers from around the world, held as part of the Third Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen, confirmed once again that we have many issues on which we need to work together to keep people around the world healthy,” said Viktor Liashko, Minister of Health of Ukraine.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the continuation of the programme of medical evacuation of Ukrainians affected by the war to clinics in Europe and their return to Ukraine after treatment. Coordinated cooperation has already enabled some 4,000 Ukrainians to be sent abroad for treatment and/or rehabilitation, including 650 children with injuries and cancer.

The Minister also highlighted the importance of mental health, which was a key theme of the Third Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen. The All-Ukrainian Mental Health Programme is currently being implemented in Ukraine on the initiative of First Lady Olena Zelenska. Its aim is to promote a culture of mental health care in society. Taking care of mental health is as important as caring for physical health. During the meeting it was agreed to implement joint projects in the field of mental health in cooperation with the European Commission.

With regard to the European integration process, the following key areas for joint work were identified: public health and cross-border threats, medical services and the safety of biomaterials, and the pharmaceutical industry.

Viktor Liashko thanked the Commissioner for Ukraine’s participation in the EU4Health programme on equal terms with EU countries. More than a year after the signing of the relevant agreement between Ukraine and the European Union, 9 projects have already been launched, which is a significant support for Ukrainian institutions working in the health sector.

As a reminder, a delegation from the Ministry of Health recently paid a working visit to the European Commission and its relevant directorates to establish direct contacts with the EU and identify the main priorities of European integration policy in the pharmaceutical sector.