NEW AGREEMENT: DENMARK TO SUPPORT UKRAINE'S HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

During his visit to Copenhagen, Ukraine’s Minister Viktor Liashko signed a cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening Ukraine's healthcare system and supporting the country’s path toward EU membership.

Minister of the Interior and Health Sophie Løhde stated:
“We stand together with Ukraine during this very difficult time for the country, and it is important to the Danish government that we extend help in the healthcare sector. It goes without saying that it is extremely challenging for a healthcare system to function in a time of war, with the country under daily attack from Russia. Therefore, we are now reaching out to the Ukrainian government to offer support from Danish health authorities to their Ukrainian counterparts, who are doing their utmost to assist the population under very challenging conditions.”

Strategic Sector Cooperation Agreement

The new agreement is a strategic sector cooperation initiative. Under this framework, agencies from Denmark's Ministry of the Interior and Health will collaborate with Ukrainian authorities to provide support and share expertise to improve access to healthcare services for the Ukrainian population.

Key areas of cooperation include:

• Mental Health Support: Assisting in the development of mental health services to address the severe psychological impact of Russia’s illegal war of aggression, which will affect many Ukrainians for years to come.
• Combatting Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): Sharing Danish experience to strengthen Ukraine’s efforts in managing and reducing AMR.
• Regulation of Medicines and Medical Devices: Supporting Ukraine in aligning its pharmaceutical and medical device regulations with EU standards, facilitating its path toward EU membership.

Hospital Cooperation: Rigshospitalet and Kyiv Regional Children’s Hospital

The Danish government is considering ways to fund enhanced collaboration between Danish and Ukrainian hospitals through development assistance. Rigshospitalet and the Capital Region of Denmark had already established a partnership with Kyiv Regional Children’s Hospital last year. With new funding, this cooperation can be expanded, enabling Rigshospitalet to provide direct support to Ukraine's healthcare system.

After the meeting, Sophie Løhde accompanied Minister Viktor Liashko on visits to Rigshospitalet and Mary Elizabeth’s Hospital.

Facts: Strategic Sector Cooperation

Strategic Sector Cooperation (SSC) is a Danish initiative financed through development assistance. The program leverages Danish expertise and knowledge by establishing partnerships between Danish authorities and counterparts in partner countries, building capacity across various sectors.