In Ukraine, MSF psychologists offer specialized psychological support to patients based on their unique needs. During 2022 and 2023, they conducted a total of 26,324 individual mental health consultations. These consultations took place in various locations, including mobile clinics that provide medical and psychological care to people in areas that have been retaken by the Ukrainian army and small villages near conflict zones in the Kherson, Donetsk, Mykolaiv, and Kharkiv regions.
The constant stress and worry experienced by patients in these areas can worsen existing health problems such as cardiovascular disease and insomnia. Medical facilities are scarce due to destruction and a lack of medical staff in these regions. Additionally, the elderly population faces particular challenges due to mobility issues, making it difficult for them to access healthcare services.
MSF psychologists in mobile clinics educate patients on the importance of mental health and its impact on overall well-being. They offer advice on improving sleep quality, managing anxiety and tension, and provide psycho-educational training to communities on dealing with stress. These basic techniques and support can help prevent the onset of cardiovascular disease and mental disorders. While group psychoeducation sessions and individual consultations can help stabilize the emotional state of many patients, more complex cases may require long-term support. For example, MSF psychologists offered psychological assistance to survivors of a missile attack on a café in Hroza, Kharkiv Oblast, in early October 2023. The attack resulted in the loss of loved ones for each of the 15 families residing in the village according to authorities and the UN.
Throughout Ukraine’s ongoing conflict, MSF has continued to provide critical medical aid to those affected by violence. Their work is vital for ensuring that individuals receive the care they need during this time of crisis.