Kharkivska oblast in northeast Ukraine has been battered by attacks since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. On May 10, 2024, Russia launched a new offensive on the region, leading to rapidly escalating violence and destruction—and massive displacement.
The threats of daily bombings and attacks in the oblast have forced 25,000 people to flee their homes. Many have headed to Kharkiv, the capital of the oblast and Ukraine’s second-largest city. But even there, amid the constant air-raid alerts, they are far from safe.
Because we already had extensive operations throughout the oblast providing a range of health services and supporting local partners, International Medical Corps was able to respond quickly to this new crisis—for example, supporting displaced people at a transit point in Kharkiv and at various shelters, dormitories and women’s and girls’ safe spaces.
Providing psychological first aid
Many of Ukraine’s displaced people have witnessed the conflict and destruction first-hand, while others have experienced the horrors of losing loved ones or are experiencing the distress and disruption of having to leave their home and belongings behind.
Psychological first aid (PFA) is an evidence-based approach that helps caregivers and first responders to recognize and reduce mental distress after disasters, helping people build resilience in the long term. It involves being a compassionate and comforting listener, sharing relevant practical assistance and resources, providing information about coping with the difficult experiences people have endured, and referring people for more advanced care if needed.
Our team of experts provides PFA to those who need it at transit points. We train other healthcare professionals on how to provide PFA, too.
Responding to health needs
When people are forced to flee their homes because of war, they often lose access to health services and medicines. Our team on the ground assesses the health needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs), and helps them get essential medications for such chronic conditions as heart problems and diabetes. We also support health facilities in Kharkivska oblast, including by delivering medicine and infection prevention and control kits to tackle the risk of communicable diseases.
GBV prevention and response
Displaced women and girls are at a greater risk of gender-based violence (GBV). At border crossing points, transit centers and in shelters, they may be exposed to risks of sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment and trafficking.
To tackle these risks, our GBV team visits transit centers and collective centers hosting IDPs to provide psychosocial support and inform women and girls about our services available to them. We also refer people to our women’s and girls’ safe spaces, where they can receive more assistance.
Distributing dignity kits
Dignity kits—which contain items such as menstrual pads, deodorant, a toothbrush and toothpaste, underwear and soap—help women and girls maintain their hygiene and dignity in times of crisis.
So far, our team has distributed more than 300 dignity kits at one transit center for IDPs in Kharkiv.
Supporting local dormitories
The movement of displaced Ukrainians around the oblast has left dormitories in desperate need of assistance. We assessed conditions in the dormitories, and found that food and hygiene were some of the biggest areas of need.
We are distributing hundreds of family hygiene kits—which contain such items as soap, toilet paper and other essential items—in dormitories. We also have provided industrial kitchen equipment to help a local NGO, Peaceful Heaven, prepare hot meals for displaced people in Kharkiv.
What can I do to help Ukrainians?
International Medical Corps is providing crucial support for Ukrainians all around the country who are affected by the conflict. But we can’t do it alone. Your donations enable us to help the people of Ukraine while continuing to respond to other global crises.
Donate today to support our efforts saving lives and providing hope to people around the world.
