As we mark the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the repercussions of the conflict extend significantly beyond the battlefield. The war has resulted in substantial civilian casualties, with the United Nations reporting 40,838 casualties, including 12,456 fatalities, and has displaced millions, leading to an urgent humanitarian crisis affecting approximately 17.6 million individuals in Ukraine.
The Ukrainian healthcare system, previously a symbol of resilience, has been severely strained, facing unprecedented challenges. The World Health Organization has documented over 2,215 attacks on healthcare facilities, resulting in 205 deaths and 699 injuries. These attacks, coupled with security concerns and shortages of medical supplies and personnel, have hindered access to essential medical care, particularly for stroke prevention and treatment. Notably, despite a reduced population, acute stroke admissions in 2023 increased by 13% compared to 2021, driven by poorly managed risk factors and the impacts of displacement.
In response to these challenges, the European Stroke Organisation (ESO) established a Task Force for Ukraine (TF4UKR) in March 2022, aimed at supporting stroke patients and healthcare professionals. The TF4UKR has implemented various initiatives, including waiving membership fees, facilitating the movement of Ukrainian stroke physicians to European institutions, offering grants for professionals to engage with stroke units across Europe, and organizing a stroke conference in Liviv in September 2024.
Collaborative efforts among professional stroke societies, the Ukrainian Ministry of Health, and international organisations have led to significant advancements in stroke care during the conflict. National medical standards have been developed, and improvements in the rates of intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy have been observed: thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy in ischemic stroke have risen, last year exceeding 10% and 2%, respectively.
Furthermore, with support from the World Bank, Ukraine secured a substantial loan to invest in state-of-the-art medical equipment, including approximately 200 CT scanners, dozens of MRI machines and angiographic suites. These proactive measures laid a strong establishment for stroke treatment, ensuring that essential infrastructure and pathways were in place. Despite the challenges that followed, these initiatives continued to evolve, driving meaningful improvements in stroke care delivery across the country.
The ESO’s ongoing commitment to supporting Ukrainian stroke patients exemplifies a broader European solidarity, highlighting the need for continued attention to the healthcare challenges faced by vulnerable populations amid the ongoing crisis. As we reflect on this anniversary, it is crucial to recognise the profound human cost of the war, particularly for those affected by strokes, while also acknowledging the hope and resilience fostered by international collaboration and support.
