Latvia to donate 100,000 euros to Ukraine in support of hospitals
Nurse and doctor in a ward at one of the hospitals in Kharkiv (photo: Getty Images)
The Latvian government has decided to allocate 100 million euros to support Ukrainian medical institutions during the war, according to the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
It is emphasized that the contribution can be used for the reconstruction of medical facilities, equipping them with medical equipment, as well as ensuring their operation and patient treatment.
In assessing the current situation, the contribution will be managed through one responsible UN agency: either the World Health Organization, the UN Project Servicing Agency, or the Ministry of Health of Ukraine.
Additionally, the Latvian Ministry of Health, in close cooperation with the Ministry of Health and the embassies of Ukraine, is gathering information on urgently needed medicines, medical devices, and equipment, and is already working on organizing the next batch of donations for Ukrainian medical institutions.
The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that the country has been providing bilateral assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of Russia's invasion, supplying medical devices, medicines, ambulances, and other medical equipment and materials.
"The World Health Organisation has verified 1,878 attacks affecting health-care facilities, personnel, transport, supplies and patients," the statement said.
The ministry also recalled that on July 8, 2024, Russia launched a missile strike on Ukraine's largest children's hospital, Okhmatdyt, and the ISIDA Women's Health and Family Planning Center. Several patients and doctors from both medical facilities were injured or killed as a result of the airstrikes. These attacks have caused serious disruptions in the operation of medical institutions and have placed additional strain on other hospitals in Ukraine.
It is noted that Germany will allocate 10 million euros to restore Okhmatdyt. The funds are intended to quickly restore the facility to operational status and prepare the building for winter use.
