UNICEF provides medical supplies to hospital in Balakliya

For months, the intensive care hospital in Balakliya, in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, was closed to patients, as a result of the ongoing war in the country. Even when the city was accessible again, the facility still could not reopen, as sappers worked to demine the area and parts of the building had been severely damaged.

Now, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has provided the hospital with the necessary medical equipment to open its doors once again.

"Thanks to the support of UNICEF and local authorities, almost everything has been restored today," says Maryna Rudenko, director of the hospital. 

The supplies from UNICEF include emergency kits, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, hygiene products, cardiograph and ultrasound machines, and generators for each department. 

As soon as the reconstruction of the shell-damaged boiler room is complete, the hospital will be able to continue its life-saving work. The facility is crucial for the area, serving three municipalities and around 80,000 people. Although patient numbers are down after many people fled the city, they are soon expected to rise again, as the violence eases and families return home. 

"We are grateful that funds have been allocated for this reconstruction, that there are builders, that it is being done right now, without any delays," says Rudenko.

UNICEF supports critical infrastructure across Ukraine, including newly accessible territories. Priority assistance is provided to medical and educational facilities. UNICEF is grateful to USAID's Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance for its contribution and support to the people of Ukraine.