Press action medeor

In Kherson, the power supply has also failed, along with the water and sewage systems. “This poses acute health risks for people in the city,” reports Markus Bremers, press spokesperson for action medeor. He was in the region just a few weeks ago, as action medeor is implementing humanitarian projects there in collaboration with local partners. Now, together with colleagues, he is organizing rapid assistance to alleviate the new emergency situation. “Fortunately, we had already sent a shipment of power generators to southern Ukraine some time ago,” says Bremers. “Now we are trying to get these generators to the affected areas as quickly as possible.”

For three years, action medeor has been active in southeastern Ukraine, launching several humanitarian projects in collaboration with various local partner organizations around Odessa, Mykolaiv, and Kherson. The aid services range from the free distribution of medicines in war-torn villages to water supply and hot meals for tens of thousands in the cities, as well as winter aid in the form of stoves, heating materials, blankets, and warm clothing. “Many people rely on this aid to survive,” says Bremers. Medical care has also become a social problem in Ukraine. “Since February 2022, the prices of medicines have risen by 25 to 60 percent,” Bremers reports. At the same time, due to the war, the Ukrainian state has had to cut back on many social benefits, including the free distribution of medicines. “Many people simply can no longer afford healthcare,” says Bremers. “For many, medicines have become luxury goods. Some have to decide daily whether to buy food or medicine — they can’t afford both.”

During his last trip, many people told him that their living conditions had worsened during the third winter of the war, says Bremers. And this affects not only their economic and social situation but also their mental well-being. “It’s the constant losses and stress. People are losing their families, their loved ones, their homes, their security, their roots, their health. And the ongoing threat from rockets and drones keeps them in a state of constant tension, which also negatively impacts their health,” says Bremers.

When it comes to healthcare for people in war zones, many think it’s mainly about treating injuries and wounds, says Bremers. “In reality, however, the greatest problem is treating chronic diseases,” he clarifies. Ukraine has seen a rise in stress-related cardiovascular diseases, as well as diabetes and cancer. “This is also because many people haven’t seen a doctor for a long time, and these conditions are only now being diagnosed,” explains Bremers.

Living conditions are particularly harsh in areas near the front lines. “Houses are destroyed; in some villages, there isn’t a single house that isn’t damaged. Many live without electricity, water, and gas,” reports Bremers. “Schools, kindergartens, shops, pharmacies, or medical care — none of these exist in these villages anymore.” Therefore, action medeor has set up mobile services that reach people near the front lines. “We bring them medicines, provide medical consultations, deliver stoves and heating materials,” summarizes Bremers, “and sometimes we just listen — and show people that they are not forgotten.”

Those who wish to support action medeor’s work can do so by donating. Donations can be made online at www.medeor.de/spenden, where donors can also leave their address to receive a donation receipt. Traditional bank transfers can be made to IBAN DE78320500000000009993 at Sparkasse Krefeld, donation reference: “Ukraine.”

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