Event highlights
Initiated by WHO with support from the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF), Ukraine has received modern diagnostic kits worth UAH 4.7 million (nearly US$ 111 500), which will strengthen the national disease surveillance system through an improved ability to detect high-risk pathogens in a timely manner. The newly provided supplies will enable the detection of polio, diphtheria, influenza, COVID-19 and other high-risk pathogens across the country, allowing prompt response to potential threats.
For over two decades, Ukraine has implemented a comprehensive national poliovirus prevention programme. Although the 2021 polio outbreak has been officially closed, the continuation of testing for poliovirus remains critical, as the disease persists as a global threat. Maintaining systematic epidemiological surveillance enables Ukraine to detect and prevent potential cases or outbreaks in a timely manner. During the war, the early detection of infectious diseases is especially critical.
This proactive national programme not only protects Ukrainian children but also strengthens health security across the country, including neighbouring countries hosting refugees. A sustained investment in and modernization of laboratory capacity are essential to enable rapid response, prevent disease spread and safeguard future generations.
As part of the humanitarian support from WHO and ASEF, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) kits and other diagnostic reagents for the detection and differentiation of influenza, SARS-COV-2, other respiratory pathogens, meningitis, malaria and other tropical fevers, as well as for hantavirus infections and diphtheria, were procured and distributed to laboratories throughout Ukraine.
The handover ceremony of supplies to the Ukrainian Public Health Center (UPHC) was attended by Deputy Minister of Health of Ukraine and Chief State Sanitary Doctor of Ukraine, Ihor Kuzin; Director of the UPHC of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, Volodymyr Kurpita; H.E. Masashi Nakagome, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Ukraine; Mr Satoshi Sugimoto, Senior Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Ukraine Office; and ASEF Executive Director, Ambassador Beata Stoczyńska. These are all partners who have consistently supported national efforts to strengthen the public health system in close cooperation with the WHO Country Office in Ukraine, represented by its Head, Dr Jarno Habicht.
“A strong laboratory network remains the foundation of an effective public health and response system. The development of this infrastructure and the reinforcement of diagnostic capacities across the country continue uninterrupted. Through cooperation with international partners, the Ministry is steadily expanding the capacities of our laboratories – from upgrading equipment to providing modern reagents and training specialists. This enables us to improve the quality of testing, detect infectious threats more rapidly and make the public health system more responsive and resilient to potential risks,” stated Deputy Minister Ihor Kuzin.
“Together with international partners, we are ensuring that laboratories are equipped with the resources required for timely detection and prevention of disease spread. Importantly, laboratory specialists receive continuous trainings in accordance with international standards and best practices,” noted Dr Jarno Habicht.
H.E. Masashi Nakagome added, “Japan has supported infectious disease control efforts in Ukraine and neighbouring countries since 2022. Through this new assistance, Japan hopes to contribute to Ukraine’s collective efforts to reduce the number of people affected by infectious diseases."
“On this occasion, the Asia-Europe Foundation reaffirms our commitment to support the resilience and recovery of Ukraine’s health system. With the generous support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, ASEF continues to stand firmly with the people of Ukraine, mobilizing critical resources in close partnership with WHO to address urgent health needs and support the recovery of the national health system,” said Ambassador Beata Stoczyńska.
“Infection control during wartime is critically important to reducing the overall burden on the health system. This is why we have aimed to strengthen testing capacities and provide a comprehensive solution by fully supplying laboratories with reagents across the country. We are grateful to our partners for this timely and essential support,” said Volodymyr Kurpita.
Background information
Working in close partnership with WHO, ASEF has contributed essential resources to address immediate health needs while supporting longer-term system strengthening. Through joint interventions channelled via the WHO Country Office in Ukraine, nearly 4 million people across the country have received access to essential health supplies and services, with more than 320 health institutions supported, and medical equipment valued at over US$ 7.6 million has been delivered nationwide. These efforts have ensured comprehensive geographic coverage, including for frontline areas, such as the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions. As part of this continued support, ASEF is now contributing to the enhancement of laboratory capacities in Kyiv Oblast Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Kyiv City Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the UPHC, reinforcing diagnostic capabilities for high-risk communicable diseases and improving outbreak preparedness.
Overall, the new reagents, through WHO and ASEF support, are being distributed to all regions of Ukraine, while poliovirus testing kits are specifically directed to regions designated by the UPHC as having elevated risk levels. Most recently, within this same initiative, 26 000 doses of rabies vaccine were distributed to health facilities across Ukraine.