Impacts of the large-scale displacement from Ukraine on health systems in refugee-receiving countries in the WHO European Region: challenges and opportunities for transformative actions and policies
Overview
As the Russian Federation's invasion of Ukraine enters its third year, evidence is needed regarding the medium-term implications for health systems in refugee-receiving countries in the event of a prolonged conflict.
The objective of this report is to assess the medium-term impacts of the war on essential health system functions and identify challenges and opportunities for transformative actions and policies.
The report synthesizes insights from a rapid review, combined with qualitative key-informant interviews with 21 experts from authorities and nongovernmental organizations in seven selected countries (Czechia, Estonia, Georgia, Germany, Republic of Moldova, Poland and Slovakia).
Five areas for action emerged:
- Strengthening network-based, managed and integrated primary care and specialized services;
- Fostering cross-border and continuity of care;
- Leveraging digital technologies to close service gaps;
- Fostering solidarity and the sharing of financial responsibility for health system responses to large-scale displacement;
- Overcoming blind spots in health information systems.
Improving health system resilience in prolonged emergencies demands structural transformations to address existing weaknesses and enhance responsiveness to future crises.
The report derives key policy actions at European and national level to sustain effective responses, reduce uncertainties for individual countries and mitigate social tensions and exclusionary policies.
