Through an initiative funded by the European Union, UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) has significantly expanded access to critical services related to sexual and reproductive health and to the prevention and response to gender-based violence. These activities take place in nine war-torn regions through UNFPA’s sexual and reproductive health (SRH) mobile health units. In partnership with local NGOs and public health institutions, the project supported the delivery of integrated, survivor-centered care, including household outreach and facility-level services.
Over the course of implementation, UNFPA launched and sustained SRH mobile health units and service delivery points, in the regions of Donetsk, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, Kherson, Odesa, Chernihiv, Sumy, Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia, reaching millions of women and girls, including internally displaced persons, persons with disabilities, and older individuals. This action not only ensured continuity of care, but also strengthened national health systems by embedding support within existing structures—laying the groundwork for a sustainable, locally led humanitarian response.
In areas constantly affected by shelling, SRH mobile health units provide free, confidential, and quality sexual and reproductive health services. These teams include gynecologists, nurses, and, when necessary, general practitioners. Consultations are carried out in health posts, outpatient clinics, health centers, or specially equipped vehicles.
This approach ensures that women in remote communities, internally displaced persons, women with disabilities, and survivors of gender-based violence can access professional medical care. Services include examinations, treatment, and, if needed, referrals to specialized doctors to ensure continuity of care.
“In the challenging context of war, it is essential that medical assistance is not only available but also reaches those who need it most. That is why the work of the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) mobile health unit is vital for the health and safety of women,” says Leonyd, coordinator of the SRH mobile health unit in Mykolaiv region.
Between late 2022 and March 2025, SRH mobile health units have conducted over 100,000 consultations across nine regions near active combat zones. In 70% of cases, diagnoses were made for the first time, underscoring the critical role these services play in early detection of health issues.
"It is paramount for the European Union to stand in solidarity with Ukrainian women and girls, especially when they are living close to the front line, in a situation of widespread violence that they never chose. With this project, UNFPA has ensured a localised humanitarian response to those most in need. Its efforts to fill the gaps in emergency SRH services have been particularly effective, while ensuring complementarity and partnership with ongoing national authorities’ efforts", says Marianna Franco, the Head of EU Humanitarian Aid in Ukraine and Moldova.
“UNFPA thanks the European Union for its ongoing support to the well-being of women and girls in Ukraine. The full-scale invasion has significantly limited women’s access to healthcare — and for many, this can have serious consequences for their health. SRH mobile health units regularly identify advanced or previously undiagnosed conditions that could have been prevented with regular check-ups. In these circumstances, mobile teams ensure access to health care and offer not only medical services but also a vital message to every woman: you are not alone,” – emphasised the UNFPA Representative to Ukraine a.i., Ulla Mueller.
In partnership with the European Union, the UNFPA, continues to support women and girls in the most affected areas of Ukraine. This ensures that survivors of gender-based violence have access to life-saving medical prevention and response services in a safe and dignified environment.
About EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid: The European Union and its Member States are among the world’s top humanitarian donors. Through the Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, the EU provides life-saving assistance to people affected by conflicts and disasters worldwide. This support is guided by humanitarian principles and aims to protect lives, reduce suffering, and uphold human dignity.
For more information, please contact: jacques.david@echofield.eu
