Supporting Ukraine with trauma surgery

A new mother in the Ukraine holds her baby. With hospitals being targeted by Russian forces, many patients need to find shelter elsewhere (photo from AFP)

As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the humanitarian crisis and toll on human life grow daily. Over 175 attacks on healthcare facilities, including hospitals, ambulances, etc., have resulted in thousands of civilian casualties and millions of people who need care (WHO). Airstrikes have leveled many hospitals, and those still standing are not equipped to take on the magnitude of patients.

World Telehealth Initiative (WTI) quickly mobilized to provide care for patients in critical condition. Our program trains Ukrainian surgeons to handle combat trauma injuries and provides specialty medical care for those in need. It builds the skills of Ukrainian surgeons and lessens the burden on local health systems.

The program kicked off in March with the arrival of eight telehealth devices in Eastern Europe. Each device represents a separate hospital facility we support through our telehealth programs. In April, a team of trauma surgeons traveled to Poland to train a group of Ukrainian surgeons. After receiving intensive in-person training, the Ukrainian physicians returned to their home hospitals. The relationships built between physicians during the training course will continue through their telehealth sessions. Many WTI volunteer trauma surgeons and other medical specialists will be on call for 24-hour rotations to support the Ukrainian physicians and provide patient care.

Ukraine and surrounding areas will take years to heal from this tragic conflict. WTI’s program will serve Eastern Europe for the long term. Please consider supporting our program in Ukraine by donating today: