UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is pleased to announce a significant partnership with the Republic of Korea aimed at enhancing emergency response services for vulnerable populations in Ukraine. This cooperation will ensure access to crucial sexual and reproductive health (SRH), as well as gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and response services, across the war-affected regions of Ukraine.

The war in Ukraine, which escalated in February 2022,  has caused major disruption, leaving 14.6 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, 51% of whom are women and children. Addressing these urgent needs is the primary focus of the partnership between UNFPA and the Republic of Korea.

“Our collaboration with UNFPA signifies our shared commitment to providing life-saving support and ensuring the well-being of the most vulnerable populations. We are dedicated to enhancing access to essential sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence prevention and response services in war-affected areas of Ukraine. Supporting local services to prioritize timely and quality care for those in need is of utmost importance,” stated H.E. Mr. Kim Hyung Tae, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to Ukraine.

The joint cooperation between the Republic of Korea and UNFPA Ukraine will implement a comprehensive approach to provide life-saving SRH and GBV services to the people of Ukraine, with a particular focus on women and girls. Thanks to Korea's generous contribution, UNFPA will support the operation of SRH Mobile Health Units (MHUs) equipped to offer specialized health services for women in hard-to-reach regions, and enable the provision of life-saving ventilators to enhance neonatal care. Additionally, the contribution will support the operation of psychosocial support mobile teams for survivors of gender-based violence and equip these teams with vehicles accessible to people with disabilities.

"Receiving vehicles adapted for people with disabilities is extremely important for ensuring accessible and effective assistance to survivors of violence. One of the most crucial services of mobile teams is helping to transport survivors to safe places. Specialized vehicles play a key role in this process, allowing assistance to be better tailored to the individual needs of each person. This also helps to reduce social isolation and increase inclusion, as survivors will be able to receive professional help without having to overcome physical barriers," says Maya Ternyuk, a social worker of the Psychosocial support mobile team.

The cooperation also emphasizes the involvement of young people through the Community Youth Volunteers network. These volunteers will play a pivotal role in collecting data, facilitating referrals, and supporting community-driven projects, thereby strengthening the humanitarian response and resilience.

“The ongoing war in Ukraine has created a need for accessible sexual and reproductive health services and comprehensive gender-based violence support. This partnership with the Republic of Korea aims to address these urgent needs and provide essential, life-saving services,” said Massimo Diana, UNFPA Representative to Ukraine.