Ceasefire violations in Ukraine continue to threaten the well-being of more than 200,000 children
Situation Overview & Humanitarian Needs
Recurrent ceasefire violations continued to threaten the well-being of the more than 200,000 boys and girls living within 15km of each side of the contact line, many of whom continue to suffer the risk of exposure to gunfire and shelling, ongoing disruption of health, electricity and water services and related psycho-social stress. While UNICEF and the Government of Ukraine provide psychosocial support, the impact of ongoing hostilities on children, their caregivers and educators, remains a serious concern. Ceasefire violations also frequently damage critical water, sanitation, electrical and heating infrastructure, threatening access to safe drinking water challenging for 3.7 million people in Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts as well as educational and health institutions.
Summary Analysis of Programme Response
HEALTH & NUTRITION
UNICEF continues to support the emergency health response to conflict-affected populations. In January e-vouchers enabling access to essential medicines and treatment were provided to 148 individuals including pregnant women, lactating mothers and children under five residing along the contact line of Donetsk oblast, who were identified through a Health and WASH needs assessment conducted in 2017. UNICEF supported the capacity of 225 healthcare workers in Luhansk Oblast through 12 trainings activities covering breastfeeding, immunization, and neonatal resuscitation. In order to ensure safe deliveries in Eastern Ukraine, 861 midwifery kits to cover 30,000 deliveries were procured and delivered by to 8 health facilities with maternity wards in Luhansk Oblast GCA and 15 health facilities with maternity wards in Donetsk Oblast GCA.
