WHO Representative in Ukraine: Number of attacks on Ukraine's healthcare system increase by 20% in 2025

Head of the World Health Organization (WHO) Office in Ukraine Dr. Jarno Habicht, in an interview with Interfax-Ukraine, spoke about the challenges facing Ukraine's national healthcare system in 2026, as well as the situation with medical care and access to medicines in frontline areas.

Author: Hanna Levchenko 

What are the most pressing health challenges facing communities in frontline areas of Ukraine right now?

While we may feel some relief after the winter, preparations must already begin for the next winter. Ensuring that health facilities have reliable energy, heating and water sources, supplies, and support for health workers so that people in Ukraine continue to access health care even during the most challenging periods. Further, this approach is important in primary care, hospitals, as well as pharmacies to continue services through seasons.

Based on our recent survey, several key issues have emerged that are significantly impacting healthcare access in Ukraine. As before, a substantial share of respondents who needed medicines reported difficulties with obtaining them, most commonly due to high costs and availability issues. In frontline regions people were more likely to report closed pharmacies, security constraints and financial barriers.

Last year, the number of attacks on medical and pharmaceutical warehouses has tripled compared to the previous year, damaging not only the buildings but also health assets as medicines and equipment. The medications most difficult to access are those required for pain management, heart conditions, antibiotics, and high blood pressure.

In the most affected regions, 59% of respondents assessed their health as poor or very poor. The mental health burden is long-term and