The event aimed to identify key areas for the development of the healthcare system in the field of sexual and reproductive health in the context of escalating demographic challenges. The conference served as an important platform for discussing strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the accessibility of medical services and adapting the healthcare system to new challenges arising from the war.
“As sexual and reproductive health issues are always relevant, they demand even greater attention amid Ukraine's demographic crisis and full-scale war. The state must ensure uninterrupted access to high-quality and free medical, social, and psychological services for all, especially in frontline regions and communities closest to the conflict. I want to extend my gratitude to our international partners, particularly UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund in Ukraine, for their unwavering support in providing mobile assistance to regions impacted by the ongoing conflict,” said Serhiy Dubrov, First Deputy Minister of Health of Ukraine.
“Recently, the Government approved the Strategy of Demographic Development of Ukraine through 2040. One of its key goals is to increase the birth rate. The strategy includes measures to support reproductive health and, when necessary, the use of assisted reproductive technologies. It also aims to create a comfortable environment for raising children, including ensuring physical and psychological safety, access to individual housing, barrier-free infrastructure, and a network of affordable kindergartens, allowing parents to balance work and childcare. By addressing these factors, we will shift the overall demographic landscape and contribute to increasing Ukraine’s birth rate ,” said Daryna Marchak, Deputy Minister of Social Policy.
“Supporting sexual and reproductive health is crucial for Ukraine at this time. In partnership with the Ministry of Health, UNFPA has launched mobile gynecological teams to provide specialized medical consultations in remote areas where access to healthcare is limited. UNFPA has also established a network of barrier-free gynecological offices across the country. The well-being of everyone in Ukraine includes reliable access to sexual and reproductive health services,” noted Massimo Diana, UNFPA Representative in Ukraine.
“Ensuring timely access to quality specialized perinatal care is critical to protecting the health of mothers and newborns, particularly amidst the war and current health reform in Ukraine. Today, too many women with high perinatal risks are unable to access the care they need, putting their lives and their babies at risk. At the same time, integration of Sexual Reproductive health services in Primary Health care is essential to ensure universal access to Sexual Reproductive Health to all women in Ukraine. Through our collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the National Health Service of Ukraine and other partners, UNICEF is working to equip facilities, train healthcare professionals, strengthening referral pathways between the different levels of the health system, and facilitate national dialogue to ensure that every mother and newborn can receive the best possible care," stressed Anne Laevens, UNICEF Chief of Health and Nutrition.
Particular attention was paid to the involvement of communities and medical institutions in addressing demographic issues, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility of services for various social groups, as well as discussing effective approaches to strengthening the healthcare system in the context of responding to gender-based violence in humanitarian crises.
The event is being implemented at the initiative of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund in Ukraine, the Working Group on Sexual and Reproductive Health, and the Health Cluster, in collaboration with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and "Women’s Health and Family Planning;" with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and in partnership with the implementation partner UA Experts.
