Challenges we face now – War-Related Traumas
Over the past three and a half years, the entire population of Ukraine has been subjected to tension and anxiety due to ongoing threats to life, caused by the unprovoked and unjustified war waged by Russia on 24 February 2022.
Many Ukrainian citizens continue to endure extremely painful traumatic experiences: displacement, loss of loved ones, shattered communities, interrupted education, and an uncertain future. These circumstances make Ukrainians particularly vulnerable to war-related traumas (WRT) and PTSD.
According to the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, up to 15 million Ukrainians will need psychological assistance, including 4–5 million who will require medication support.
The Ukrainian government has already taken steps to address this challenge. A surge of attention to issues of WRT in Ukraine has been effective in raising awareness among Ukrainian society about the problem, with the most efficient and positively received being the nation-wide All-Ukrainian Mental Health Program “HowareU?” under the patronage of the First Lady of Ukraine Mrs Olena Zelenska. However praised, all governmental policies on WRT are still struggling to achieve full synchronisation and synergy to become effective and affordable for everyone.
It is difficult to assess the effectiveness of the Ukrainian government’s plans to establish a coherent system of medical and rehabilitation centres specialising in trauma care, as well as the future resource requirements (medical personnel, infrastructure, and financial support). However, some estimate that Ukraine would need to double or triple the number of specialists and facilities currently available.
This task is set against a background of limited resources, as Ukraine, with generous help and assistance from international partners, is working hard to keep the war-damaged economy running to meet immediate needs. Despite our foreign friends’ goodwill and support to address issues of WRT, this level of overall assistance remains minor compared to military, security, and reconstruction needs.
Additionally, Ukraine should leverage valuable lessons–both good and bad–from other countries that have dealt with WRT or combat trauma’s consequences in their military and ex-servicemen for decades, from Vietnam War Syndrome in the US and the UK’s Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns to the recent surge in terrorist attacks on Israel, where civilians have also been affected. These nations have been exploring innovative solutions, some of which have proven effective and should be introduced to Ukraine, tested, adopted, and scaled up as soon as possible.
Investing our energy and efforts today to cement the foundations for Ukraine’s healthy tomorrow.
To shape Ukraine’s ability to repay with gratitude and honour those who protect our freedoms.
To contribute advanced solutions based on international practices to prevent severe psychological conditions.
To enhance treatment of WRT in children.
To fight stigma through knowledge and awareness.
- To provide the platform and expertise to train medical personnel and assisting nursing staff in advanced methods of (C)PTSD/TBI diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation.
- To provide training to civilian populations and employers to ensure the smooth re-integration of ex-combatants into civil life.
- To establish PTSD-assistance dog centres in Ukraine.
- To produce and make available to the public a series of documentary and other educational visual products on WRT in general and PTSD in particular.
- To raise funds to assist hospitals with the purchase and ongoing maintenance costs of medical equipment necessary for accurate diagnosis and treatment of (C)PTSD and traumatic brain injuries.
- To fundraise in support of medical teams, case managers, and treatment facilities or procedures at partner/beneficiary hospitals.
Reach Us
Phone
Office
Charitable Organization
«Charitable Fund «AVA»
Ukraine, Kyiv, 01013, 5A, Budindustrii street
Charity Registration Number 45699354