Doctor Mariia examines a bedridden patient. ©action medeor/Maxim Penko Info Doctor Mariia examines a bedridden patient. ©action medeor/Maxim Penko Ukraine In focus Ukraine: Protecting health in the third winter of war Close-up 13 November 2024 Millions of Ukrainians are facing a bitterly cold winter. action medeor is helping people protect themselves from the cold and is continuing its medical aid efforts. Traveling through devastated villages In the villages around Mykolaiv, burnt-out tanks and shot-up buildings bear witness to the nearby front. Doctors' surgeries and pharmacies have long since closed, and electricity, heating and water no longer work in most houses. Nevertheless, many people persevere here - especially old and sick people. Doctor Mariia explains why: "Some stay because they have nowhere else to live. But some also because they say: this is my country, this is where I was born, this is where I belong, this is where I will stay." Mariia is one of the health teams supported by action medeor who regularly visit these places. They distribute medicines, offer consultations and carry out home visits. In this heated tent in Mykolayiv, warming meals are served and social contacts are cultivated. Svetlana stands in the middle of her broken extension. She and her husband have already prepared the remaining part of the house for the cold. Children suffer particularly badly from the war. Here they receive warm food and carefree moments with other children. Photo: action medeor/Farwater The rush to dispense medication is great. The work of the mobile pharmacy is particularly important in winter. Photo: action medeor/Farwater We distribute these stoves, along with the necessary fuel for the heating season, to households that have no other means of heating. 1 2 3 4 5 Press spokesman Markus Bremers accompanied the teams and talked to the people about their situation and their needs. During these visits, he met, for example, Svetlana, who returned to her home with her family. At least “halfway,” as she says, since one side of her house was completely destroyed by Russian shelling. Many families now face the challenge of winter-proofing their damaged homes. action medeor assists by distributing stoves and fuel – Svetlana received one of these stoves as early as 2022. In addition, our partners provide repair kits containing tools, PVC sheets, and insulation materials to help repair and insulate the damaged houses. Winter aid in the war zone In Mykolayiv, we also continue to operate a warming center. Here, those whom the war has left poorer and lonelier gather. Every day, 2,800 loaves of bread, 480 hot meals, and hot drinks are distributed to those in need. For boys and girls who had to flee or lost family members, our partner Farwater organizes a daily lunch table in Kherson and Chornomorsk. Afternoons with games, sports events, and excursions provide a bit of stability in the lives of these children. Give warmth with your donation! Initiatives like these are urgently needed, especially now, as the cold winter months intensify hardship. Please support us in continuing our health assistance. Light a candle of hope this Christmas – with your donation for warmth and health. Every euro helps! For an average of 20 euros, a patient can, for example, receive a month’s supply of medication from the mobile pharmacy. 50 euros can enable a child to participate in the lunch table for a month. For 335 euros, a family can, for example, receive a stove and enough heating fuel for the winter. Donate Health Your donation enables us to provide medical care to people in crisis and disaster regions. Donate Now “When you’re on-site and feel the deep gratitude of the people in Ukraine, you realize how important our help is. Thank you for making this possible with your donation.” Markus BremersSpokesperson for action medeor