Direct Relief Foundation

08/01/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/01/2024 15:11

Direct Relief Announces Additional $10 Million Financial Commitment to Bolster Healthcare Services in Ukraine

Washington, D.C. - Direct Relief announced last week a new $10 million philanthropic commitment to address urgent medical needs and bolster the resilience of healthcare infrastructure across Ukraine.

The announcement was made at a July 23rd event at Ukraine House in Washington D.C., hosted by Direct Relief, The Ukrainian Ministry of Health, and the Ukrainian Embassy.

"The international non-profit organization Direct Relief has united powerful private companies and philanthropists in order to support Ukraine," said Maryna Slobodnichenko, Deputy Minister of Health of Ukraine for European integration. "Thank you for such unceasing support."

"Direct Relief remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting health services for the Ukrainian people as they continue to encounter enormous difficulties from the ongoing Russia attacks, said Thomas Tighe, President and CEO of Direct Relief.

Direct Relief's $10 million philanthropic commitment will support vital organizations including Unbroken, The Protez Foundation, and The Ukrainian American House. These funds will be allocated to address the following healthcare priorities, as identified by the Ukrainian Ministry of Health:

  • Prosthetics and rehabilitation services for injured persons, now estimated to be more than 100,000 persons
  • Resilient power solutions for healthcare facilities to ensure uninterrupted services, which are compromised by attacks on the country's critical energy infrastructure
  • Flexible primary care approaches to manage the health needs of displaced persons
  • Access to essential medications, with a focus on rare diseases and specialty therapies
  • Mental health and psychosocial support services for people who continue to be subjected to extreme risk, constant threat, and daily tragedies.

This new commitment builds upon Direct Relief's ongoing support for Ukraine, which has included over $42 million in financial assistance and 2,480 tons of medical aid valued at $1.3 billion.

The medical material contributions total more than 341 million defined daily doses of medicines including insulin, cancer therapies, vaccines, cardiovascular drugs, respiratory treatments, and other resources, all in response to requests from the Ukrainian Ministry of Health and local Ukrainian healthcare providers.