LAUNCH OF A DANISH-UKRAINIAN PLATFORM ON CHRONIC DISEASE PREVENTION
Government and partner institutions of Denmark and Ukraine have announced the establishment of the Danish-Ukrainian Platform for Combating Chronic Diseases. This strategic international initiative aims to reduce the incidence and mortality of cardiovascular diseases in Ukraine and to strengthen the national system for preventing chronic illnesses. The Platform is intended to bring together partners from government bodies, the medical community, civil society organizations, and the private sector to coordinate efforts and develop a roadmap for reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in Ukraine.
Chronic (non-communicable) diseases are among the most serious threats to healthcare systems worldwide, with cardiovascular diseases being the leading cause of death and disability.
As of 2025, approximately 8.9 million people in Ukraine live with chronic heart and vascular diseases, including 5 million with hypertension and 3.4 million with ischemic heart disease.
Ukraine ranks among the highest in Europe in terms of years of life lost due to premature death and illness. The main driver of this indicator is excess mortality from conditions that modern healthcare systems can both treat and prevent — primarily cardiovascular diseases.
“People are a country’s most valuable asset. And it is precisely people — their health and their active years of life — that we have in mind when we speak about rebuilding Ukraine. This cooperation demonstrates how international partnerships can help address extremely complex healthcare challenges,” said the Ambassador of Denmark to Ukraine, Thomas Lund-Sørensen.
“For eight years, the National Health Service of Ukraine has operated on principles of transparency and openness, and we call on partners to continue supporting institutions that implement European standards. I believe today’s dialogue will help align joint efforts and shape effective solutions to combat cardiovascular diseases in the coming years,” noted Nataliia Husak, Head of the National Health Service of Ukraine.
“We are pleased to support this initiative, which brings together our humanitarian experience in Ukraine with Danish expertise in healthcare. At a time when chronic diseases place a heavy burden on affected communities, this platform represents an important step forward. We will work with national institutions and partners to ensure proper support for all sides’ efforts. Our shared goal is to strengthen Ukraine’s healthcare system and improve access to medical care so that as many people as possible can lead full and healthy lives,” said Erika Feigenbaum, Head of Regional Offices of the Danish Red Cross in Ukraine.
“The patient community sees the challenges of cardiovascular disease and diabetes through the lived experience of people who face them for many years. This is why we work toward real change: improving access to modern medicines, self-monitoring tools, reliable information, and quality care. Thanks to advocacy efforts, we have expanded the reimbursement program, reached more than 20 million Ukrainians through a national campaign, and implemented digital solutions that save lives. We value Denmark’s support and are convinced that joint work will improve the health and quality of life of Ukrainian patients,” added Inna Ivanenko, Head of Patients of Ukraine, the country’s largest patient advocacy organization.
“Reducing chronic disease rates is an extremely difficult challenge for Ukraine, especially during wartime. Our company is ready to become part of the newly established Platform and, together with partners, develop an effective national action plan,” said Vladyslav Moroz, General Director of Novo Nordisk Ukraine.
