WHO/Europe and the Ministry of Health of Ukraine cemented their continued cooperation on improving universal health coverage and reducing health inequities at the signing of a Biennial Collaborative Agreement in Kyiv last week. The signing formed part of a visit by WHO Regional Director for Europe, Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge.
In addition to the signing, Dr Kluge met key national and international partners in Ukraine to discuss the country’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, health system reform agenda, humanitarian response and broader collaboration on health and sustainable development in Ukraine.
Enhancing strategic cooperation
Signed between WHO/Europe and the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, the new Biennial Collaborative Agreement for 2022–2023 sets a framework for action and strengthens strategic cooperation to improve the health of the Ukrainian population, accelerate progress towards universal health coverage and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
“This new two-year agreement with the Government of Ukraine is an important step towards further strengthening Ukraine’s health system and implementing ongoing health reforms. The partnership will enable us to maximize opportunities to improve the health of the people of Ukraine, reduce health inequities and elevate overall health governance in the country. I look forward to advancing this health agenda in close cooperation with national and international partners,” said Dr Kluge.
Dr Jarno Habicht, WHO Representative in Ukraine, explained: “Supporting Ukraine in transforming its health system and achieving better health outcomes for Ukrainian people is of utmost importance to WHO. We reaffirm our support and strengthen cooperation to improve access to high-quality health services and progress towards achieving universal health coverage and the SDGs. At the same time, we need to ensure the response to the next wave of COVID-19, support response to other disease outbreaks, such as polio, transform the health system, and respond to humanitarian needs.”
Stronger partnerships for health in Ukraine
During the country visit, Dr Kluge met with the Ukrainian Minister of Health Viktor Liashko to discuss support for the COVID-19 response, implementation of health reforms, and strengthening of the public health system. The discussion also focused on various other issues, including addressing mental health needs and main noncommunicable disease burden in Ukraine, the importance of effective immunization coverage, and response to the polio outbreak in the country.
In his meeting with the Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmygal, Dr Kluge thanked the Government of Ukraine for the continued collaboration and recognized Ukraine’s efforts in strengthening the country’s health system and implementing health reforms as part of the country’s development agenda and investing in human capital. The discussion explored opportunities to also cover matters including the COVID-19 response and recovery, a continuation of health system transformation, and the humanitarian response in Ukraine.
Dr Kluge’s visit also included a meeting with Nataliia Gusak, Head of the National Health Service of Ukraine, on strengthening strategic collaboration, implementing primary health care reforms, further learning and experience exchange.
In addition, Dr Kluge spoke with the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Emine Dzheppar. The meeting focused on the collaboration between WHO and Ukraine on global health, international solidarity with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic response, humanitarian response and health in Ukraine.
Engaging civil society
Furthermore, the Regional Director had an opportunity to meet with leading health civil society organizations in Ukraine. The meeting included a discussion on the main areas for cooperation between WHO and civil society in the framework of the WHO European Programme of Work, 2020–2025 – “United Action for Better Health”, as well as the role that the nongovernmental sector can play in its implementation in Ukraine to improve health for all.
Led by WHO Representative Dr Jarno Habicht, the WHO team in Ukraine consists of over 100 staff members and consultants who provide technical expertise and build national capacity on health-related matters. The priorities for the Country Office are set out in the Biennial Collaborative Agreement between WHO/Europe and Ukraine. The Office implements the agreement in close collaboration with national and international partners.