Lviv, 16 July 2022 (TDI): The European Commissioner for Health and Food safety, Stella Kyriakides, met with the Minister of Health of Ukraine, Viktor Liashko, on Thursday to sign an agreement on health cooperation.
With @ViktorLiashko, we signed a historic agreement between the EU and Ukraine associating 🇺🇦 to the #EU4Health programme.
It will ensure Ukraine can access EU funding to support its health system immediately and in the future. It is another clear sign of our unwavering support. pic.twitter.com/l5gpQDA8HH
— Stella Kyriakides (@SKyriakidesEU) July 15, 2022
The leaders signed an agreement on the EU4Health program. It will provide Ukraine access to EU funding in health areas. The Ukrainian government will be able to respond to immediate health needs and contribute toward long-term recovery.
Furthermore, the European Health Commissioner also visited a patient rehabilitation center and a children’s medical center.
Many war victims need prostheses and rehabilitation.
I heard most powerful stories by those wounded. I congratulate the team of the rehabilitation centre for their great work!
The EU will continue to support Ukraine with the same commitment. pic.twitter.com/LyvUSfpe1q
— Stella Kyriakides (@SKyriakidesEU) July 15, 2022
Remarks by the EU Health Commissioner
Following are her Press remarks:
I am here – first and foremost – to send a very clear message: so that Ukraine and its people know that the EU will continue to support you in every possible way and for as long as it takes.
I would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Minister Liashko for inviting me to Ukraine today. Also, for his extraordinary resilience and leadership in the most difficult of circumstances.
What I saw today in the healthcare facilities I visited was truly humbling. The commitment and the self-sacrifice of all the staff. The solidarity, and admirable spirit of all the citizens and patients to withstand the aggression and protect their country.
Just now, we took another historic step in deepening the partnership between the EU and Ukraine, by signing an agreement of association for Ukraine’s participation in the EU4Health program.
This allows for Ukraine’s participation in EU funding in the area of health.
This is another clear signal of our commitment to continue supporting Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. Your healthcare system, doctors and nurses, civilians and patients, have been put under unimaginable pressure since the beginning of this war.
With this association agreement, we want to ensure that Ukraine can access financial support as quickly as possible. Also, to respond to the immediate needs of its healthcare system and also support long-term reconstruction.
Last but not least, I know that this war is causing great psychological and mental health damage. We have mobilized funds from the EU4Health program to give psychological support to those who have left Ukraine, and we will continue to do so.
Ladies and gentlemen, Minister,
Thank you once again for your invitation. Your heroism and the heroism of the Ukrainian people are inspirational for all of us.
I hope that the EU4Health association agreement will bring us even closer together.
Thank you.
