Ukraine
Ukraine
We work to strengthen the governance and management of Ukraine’s pharmaceutical sector by implementing measures that boost transparency, improve cost efficiency, and promote an effective and sustainable supply chain system. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, we have helped safeguard access to affordable and reliable medicines and health commodities, especially those used to prevent, diagnose, and treat HIV, AIDS, TB, and COVID-19.
Ensuring uninterrupted access to lifesaving medicines in Ukraine
The chaos and violence of the war has had devastating effects on nearly every aspect of life in Ukraine, including the health care system. The attacks have destroyed hospitals and health clinics, disrupted supply chains, and prevented patients from accessing the care they need. In the immediate aftermath of the invasion and continuing today, we refocused our efforts to combat these wartime challenges and worked with the Government of Ukraine to distribute medical humanitarian aid to those most in need. While many of our project staff have been forced to flee their homes, they remain dedicated to this mission and continue to build on our progress to reform Ukraine’s health care system. In addition to keeping the supply chain intact and establishing public- and private-sector partnerships to maintain an ample supply of medicines, equipment, and medical staff, we will continue to help forge a path forward for Ukraine and provide hope in the midst of uncertainty.
Overview
For more than a decade, we have supported efforts in Ukraine to strengthen the country’s health system and improve the availability and use of essential medicines. We work with the Government of Ukraine, civil society, and private-sector partners to bolster pharmaceutical governance and management, contribute to a longer-term plan for pharmaceutical financing, and strengthen the pharmaceutical supply chain system. Our projects have helped ensure that patients in every region of the country can access lifesaving medicines and health commodities for HIV, TB, COVID-19, and more.
Our project staff quickly modified and scaled operations to better support Ukraine in the wake of the war. We continue to distribute medical humanitarian aid to those in need, monitor the supply of medicines and health commodities, and build on our work to promote transparency and sustainability in the overall health system.
Medicines Reimbursement Program: Bringing Care Closer to the Patient
The Ministry of Health of Ukraine partnered with the USAID SAFEMed Activity to launch the Affordable Medicines Program (AMP) in 2017, to improve access to outpatient medications for people with chronic health conditions. Since then, the program has expanded to cover over 400 medicines and other medical commodities. Despite the ongoing war, the AMP has grown and adapted to meet the needs of Ukrainians, reaching more than 4.6 million patients as of May 2024.
The Affordable Medicines Program Is Helping Ukraine Achieve Health Equity Despite the War
Limited access to medicines and care can be detrimental for those living with chronic diseases who rely on medication to stabilize and control their conditions. To help prevent disruptions in access to lifesaving and other essential medications during the war, SAFEMed stepped in to provide expanded support to the National Health Service of Ukraine to ensure the national Affordable Medicines Program continues to operate.