Estonian ministers, WHO regional director discuss rebuilding Ukraine's healthcare system

TALLINN - Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna and Health Minister Riina Sikkut met with met in Tallinn with Hans Kluge, the World Health Organization's (WHO) regional director for Europe, to discuss the rebuilding of Ukraine's healthcare system and infrastructure, which have been severely damaged by Russia’s aggression.

Tsahkna commended the WHO for its role in supporting Ukraine during the full-scale war. 

"Russia's aggression has had a tremendous impact on Ukraine's healthcare infrastructure and on the physical and mental health of millions of Ukrainians," Tsahkna said. "The Russian airstrike on the Okhmatdyt children's hospital in July shocked the entire world, but it is just one example of the devastation inflicted on Ukraine's healthcare sector."

Tsahkna emphasized Estonia's commitment to helping rebuild Ukraine's healthcare system and developing a modern rehabilitation system. Considering Ukraine's needs, this must remain a long-term priority for the WHO.

The health minister, Riina Sikkut, said at the meeting that a recent study trip by Estonian healthcare professionals to Ukraine, supported by the WHO, provided valuable insights and a clearer understanding of the challenges facing Ukraine's healthcare system.

"The WHO's representation in Ukraine is a stable, reliable, and valued partner. With their help, we are now better prepared for crises," Sikkut said. "The study trip also gave us a deeper sense of what Ukraine needs and how we can assist its healthcare system more effectively."