Uniting the Private and Public Sectors in the Fight against Corruption across Ukraine

On September 12, the Medical Procurement of Ukraine (MPU) held the conference “Development of the Compliance Function: Implementation Experience in the Private and Public Sectors” in Kyiv. This conference, supported by the MSH-led USAID Safe, Affordable, and Effective Medicines for Ukrainians (SAFEMed) Activity, served as a platform for building community and exchanging experiences between Ukrainian businesses and public institutions on facilitating rules and regulations compliance in the workplace.

The event brought together around 80 representatives from the private and public sectors, including compliance officers, anti-corruption officers and organizations, business associations, and international and civil organizations. By promoting cross-sector collaboration, the MPU hopes to build a lasting support network against corruption.

During the event, Stanislav Ivakhnenko, Head of the Anti-Corruption and Compliance Unit of the MPU, noted that in 2022, with SAFEMed support, the MPU became the first procurement organization in Ukraine to receive compliance certification under international anti-corruption standards. This certification has positioned the MPU as a zero-tolerance-to-corruption procurement agency and leader in these efforts.

MPU General Manager Edem Adamanov noted that this was the first time the MPU had organized an anti-corruption-themed event, highlighting recent amendments to Ukrainian law as the catalyst. The new legislation requires state enterprises and joint-stock companies with more than 50% state ownership to establish comprehensive and effective compliance, risk management, and internal audit functions. By introducing these policies, the Government of Ukraine has demonstrated a commitment to supporting fair and transparent public procurement processes.

A panel discussion with experts from the National Agency on Corruption Prevention, METRO Cash & Carry Ukraine, and Ukrainian Railway highlighted the resources and strategies needed for effective compliance integration. Panelists also emphasized the role leadership plays in promoting anti-corruption and compliance throughout the workplace.

Even amidst a war, the MPU has continued to reinforce its anti-corruption strategies with support from SAFEMed. Pamela Foster, Deputy Director of the USAID Office of Health, shared how the MPU “has developed robust procedures to prevent corruption across its medical procurement activities, protect whistleblowers, and report violations of anti-corruption laws to the National Agency for the Prevention of Corruption.” By becoming a leader in compliance, the MPU has earned the trust of civil society, reinforcing confidence that it can deliver on its promises and helping to build lasting faith in Ukraine’s health care system.