More than 3.5 million refugees have left Ukraine since 24 February

 

It is noted that 500,000 of them may have mental health problems because of the conflict. Paloma Kuczy, a representative of the World Health Organisation in Poland, said this at a briefing on Tuesday.

“According to the latest figures, 6.5 million people have been displaced from their homes within Ukraine. This week, as of 20 March, at least 3.5 million refugees from Ukraine have crossed into neighbouring countries. Poland has already received more than 2 million people, about 61% of all refugees. About two thirds of the refugees want to stay in Poland, closer to home”, –  she said.

Currently, access to health care in Ukraine is severely limited, refugees spend several days without proper food and water, waiting to cross the border, children are tired and anxious, the elderly are without medication, leading to decompensated diabetes, high blood pressure and other health problems, and pregnant women are deprived of prenatal care.


“People with compromised health need urgent evacuation and referral to specialists to ensure continuation of treatment. For example, children and adults with cancer, those in need of dialysis, patients with mental health problems and others”, –  she said.It is noted that 500,000 of them may have mental health problems due to conflict.

 

Paloma Kuci, the World Health Organisation’s representative in Poland, said this at a briefing on Tuesday.

 

“According to the latest figures, 6.5 million people have been displaced from their homes within Ukraine. This week, as of 20 March, at least 3.5 million refugees from Ukraine have crossed into neighbouring countries. Poland has already received more than 2 million people, about 61% of all refugees. About two thirds of the refugees want to stay in Poland, closer to home”, – she said.

Currently, access to health care in Ukraine is severely limited, refugees spend several days without proper food and water, waiting to cross the border, children are tired and anxious, the elderly are without medication, leading to decompensated diabetes, high blood pressure and other health problems, and pregnant women are deprived of prenatal care.

“People with compromised health need urgent evacuation and referral to specialists to ensure continuation of treatment. For example, children and adults with cancer who need dialysis, patients with mental health problems and others”, –  she said.