As Ukraine’s full-scale war enters its fifth year, the nation’s health care system is facing an unprecedented crisis. Attacks on health care facilities have surged, increasing by nearly 20% in 2025 compared to the previous year, placing immense strain on an already fragile infrastructure and limiting access to essential medical services for millions. The escalating violence is not only directly impacting hospitals and clinics but also exacerbating health needs through the destruction of critical civilian infrastructure.
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) has documented at least 2881 attacks on health care in Ukraine, affecting health workers, facilities, ambulances, and medical warehouses. These attacks represent clear violations of international humanitarian law. The situation is particularly dire in frontline areas, where 59% of people reported their health as poor or very poor in a December 2025 WHO assessment, compared to 47% in non-frontline regions.
A Winter of Devastation and Disrupted Care
The winter of 2025-2026 has been particularly brutal, marked by relentless strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. These attacks have left millions without heating, electricity, and water, compounding the challenges faced by the health care system. In Kyiv alone, a January 2026 attack left nearly 6,000 buildings without heat in subzero conditions, prompting an estimated 600,000 residents to flee the capital. The cascading effects of these strikes extend far beyond immediate discomfort, disrupting essential medical care and hindering recovery for patients.
“What we are witnessing in Ukraine is a devastating cycle,” said Dr. Jarno Habicht, WHO Representative to Ukraine. “A heating station is struck and thousands of homes lose heat within hours. At –20°C, water in the pipes freezes, bursts them, floods buildings with ice. Repairs are made, then the next attack starts it all over again. Behind every one of these system breakdowns are families, elderly residents, and health-care workers who must keep saving lives while their own homes are without heat, water, or electricity. The burnout after four years of war is immense – and the demand for health care has never been higher.”
Beyond Trauma: A Surge in Chronic Illness and Mental Health Needs
While trauma injuries remain a significant concern, the war’s impact extends to a broader range of health issues. Cardiovascular disease is surging, with one in four Ukrainians experiencing dangerously high blood pressure. Access to medicines is a major barrier, with 8 out of 10 people reporting difficulties, primarily due to high prices (71%). In frontline regions, closed pharmacies, security risks, and financial constraints further limit access to vital medications.
The mental health toll is also staggering. According to WHO data, 72% of people surveyed in Ukraine experienced anxiety or depression in the past year, yet only one in five sought help. This underscores a critical need for increased mental health support services, which are currently severely under-resourced. The lack of access to rehabilitation services is another pressing issue, with only 4% of hospitals providing inpatient rehabilitation and 3% offering assistive technologies like prosthetics.
Escalating Attacks and Disrupted Supply Chains
Despite hopes for peace talks, attacks on health care intensified throughout 2025, peaking in the third quarter with 184 attacks that resulted in 12 deaths and 110 injuries among health workers and patients. Notably, attacks on medical warehouses tripled in 2025 compared to the previous year, severely disrupting logistics and supply chains crucial for delivering care across the country. Over the past four years, a total of 233 health workers and patients have been killed and 930 injured in attacks on health care facilities.
WHO’s Response and Future Needs
In 2025, the WHO reached 1.9 million people across Ukraine through service delivery, medical supplies, referrals, and capacity-building initiatives, prioritizing vulnerable populations in frontline and hard-to-reach areas. This included delivering trauma care and medical supplies to 954 facilities, supporting over 1200 medical evacuations, and conducting outreach in 131 locations with limited access. The WHO also provided 284 generators to health facilities across 23 oblasts to help maintain essential services.
“After four years of war, health needs are increasing, but many people are unable to get the care they need, in part because hospitals and clinics are routinely attacked,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “WHO is working alongside Ukraine’s dedicated health workers to keep hospitals supplied with the means to stay warm, and the medicines people rely on the most. The best medicine is peace.”
For 2026, the WHO is appealing for US$42 million in funding to sustain its function in Ukraine and protect access to care for 700,000 people. The ongoing conflict demands continued international support to address the escalating health crisis and ensure that Ukrainians can access the medical care they desperately need.
Disclaimer: This article provides information about a developing humanitarian crisis. This proves not intended to provide medical advice. If you are experiencing a health emergency, please seek immediate medical attention.
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