Examining the pre-war health burden of Ukraine for prioritisation by European countries receiving Ukrainian refugees

The war in Ukraine and refugee health care: considerations for health care providers in Canada

“…13,16 Ukraine has among the highest global burdens of noncommunicable diseases and chronic infectious diseases such as tuberculosis (TB), HIV and viral hepatitis, and the lowest vaccination coverage in Europe. 17,18 Ukrainian people displaced by the war, however, may not have the same prevalence of disease as reported among the general Ukrainian population. Most people fleeing the war and seeking refuge in Canada are likely to be women, children and older adults, given that men between the ages of 18 and 60 years have been conscripted to fight in Ukraine.…”

“…22 Diabetes prevalence is 7.1%, and disability-adjusted life years are driven mainly by risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol misuse and poor diet. 17,22 Noncommunicable diseases cause 91% of all deaths, with cardiovascular disease accounting for the majority (67%). The age-adjusted death rate in Ukraine from ischemic heart disease is more than 6 times greater than that in European Clinical considerations for health care providers [13][14][15] • Verify disruption of treatment for noncommunicable diseases and chronic infections.…”

Meeting the health needs of displaced people fleeing Ukraine: Drawing on existing technical guidance and evidence

“…4 Over 90% of the fleeing population are women and children including unaccompanied minors. The pre-conflict health situation in Ukraine 5 indicates that while the disease burden might be similar to the other countries in the region, concerns such as low childhood and COVID-19 vaccination rates will require additional attention. 6 Internally displaced populations within Ukraine, from the ongoing conflict, may have higher rates of mental distress, non-communicable diseases, and be exposed to certain infectious diseases, due in part to lack of access to medicines, healthcare and poor living conditions.…”

The spoils of war and the long-term spoiling of health conditions of entire nations

“…Ukraine has an extremely high prevalence of HIV infection compared to other western countries in the WHO EU Region (37.5 vs 8.3 per 100,000 in 2020) [5], with a treatment coverage of 57%, lower than in the EU (82%) [3]. The COVID-19 epidemic is also concerning, with a significant increase (555%) in cases between January-February 2022, a fatality rate of 2.2%, and a very low vaccination rate (35%) [6]. Unfortunately, the vaccination rate against other infectious diseases, such as poliomyelitis, measles, rubella, was also relatively low (53%-85%) in the pre-war times [7][8][9].…”