Expanding Access, Deepening Partnerships: Affordable Medicines Program Forum Charts a Vision for 2025 and Beyond

At a moment of continued uncertainty for Ukraine’s health system, the National Health Service of Ukraine (NHSU) brought together over 150 stakeholders—from government, civil society, and the private and international sectors—for the “Reimbursement 2025: Partnership for Sustainable Development” forum on May 15. The event, supported by USAID’s SAFEMed Activity, marked a critical milestone in Ukraine’s journey toward universal access to affordable, life-saving medicines.

Held in Kyiv and streamed online, the forum highlighted progress and priorities for the Affordable Medicines Program (AMP), one of Ukraine’s flagship health financing reforms. Since its launch in 2017, AMP has provided free or subsidized medicines to millions of Ukrainians living with chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and asthma. Today, the program covers 668 trade names of medicines and medical devices—its widest reach yet.

The program’s impact has been far-reaching. As of May 2025, more than 5.5 million patients have received care through the Affordable Medicines Program (AMP), supported by a network of over 15,700 contracted pharmacies across the country. Over six years of implementation, the program has saved Ukrainian families more than 16.9 billion UAH (approximately USD 404.6 million) in out-of-pocket costs. Patients have been issued 74 million electronic prescriptions, indicating a significant increase in adherence to prescribed treatment, which has contributed to improved control of hypertension and diabetes among registered patients.

This year’s agenda focused on expanding access and strengthening partnerships, especially for conflict-affected and underserved communities. In 2025, the NHSU aims to further extend the program to cancer patients and pregnant women, including providing folic acid supplementation to reduce birth defects. The forum also emphasized the program’s growing emphasis on cardiovascular disease prevention—an urgent priority in a country where these conditions remain the leading cause of death.

“We’re not just reimbursing the cost of medicines,” said NHSU Head Nataliia Husak. “We’re giving people a sense of security, stability, and care.”

Participants explored emerging research on barriers to access and adherence. Iryna Horlova, CEO of market research firm SMD, shared findings that underscored the vital role of local doctors and pharmacies in promoting the program, while also pointing to persistent access gaps in rural and conflict-affected areas.

To help close those gaps, SAFEMed continues to support targeted communications campaigns and alternative delivery models. One such initiative— mobile pharmacies —now reaches nearly 1,000 remote settlements across 17 regions with essential medicines. Mobile pharmacies and targeted outreach are also helping ensure the program’s benefits extend to all Ukrainians, regardless of geography.

“Even amid a full-scale war, Ukraine is showing the world what’s possible with sustained political commitment, bold partnerships, and a people-centered vision,” said SAFEMed Chief of Party Rebecca Kohler. “The Affordable Medicines Program is about more than policy. It’s about building trust—and delivering impact where it’s needed most.”

As Ukraine moves forward with its health system reforms, the AMP forum served as a timely reminder that access to affordable medicines is not just a goal, but a foundation for resilience, equity, and recovery.