Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed separatists have started withdrawing from the line of contact in eastern Ukraine. But the 5-year conflict has left a heavy toll, including almost 13,000 people killed. It has also had a major impact on healthcare services in the region, leaving an estimated 1.3 million people in need of urgent medical help. The situation facing the village of Zolote-3 is typical. It lies 2 kilometres from the line of contact and many of its residents have fled. Those left behind were mainly elderly residents. Along the line of contact itself, 30% of the residents are over 60, the majority of whom suffer from chronic diseases and the healthcare system is struggling to cope.
The Spanish branch of the NGO, Doctors of the World, financed by EU Humanitarian Aid, started working in the Luhansk region in 2015. It fills the gaps in local staff with 2 mobile health units. European financial aid has been maintained throughout the war although international funding for healthcare in eastern Ukraine has dropped to 38% of the needs in 2018 from 98% in 2014.
© Euronews 2019. All rights reserved. Licensed to the European Union under conditions.
0 Comments