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In this talk, Kostetska will describe how the public health sphere in Ukraine has functioned in the context of the full-scale war and how the war has aggravated pre-existing public health threats and needs in the country. The key challenges faced by the Ukrainian public health system during the war include, but are not limited to, compromised capacity for the public health system to prevent, detect, and respond to emergencies, such as infectious disease outbreaks, gaps in biosafety and biosecurity, and low immunization coverage. Restricted access to healthcare services also leads to higher rates of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) contributing to premature mortality and urgent mental health issues. Fortunately, a range of stakeholders, including Ukrainian state- and non-state actors, as well as foreign and global agencies, are working to address the most pressing needs and risks, mitigate consequences of war-induced public health emergencies, and prevent future crises. Even in the face of war, important reforms in the Ukrainian public health system are taking place to align with EU standards, which highlight priorities for post-war recovery and will support the country’s euro-integration path.

Olha Kostetska is a public health and healthcare specialist focused on health system strengthening and resilience as well as health policy. She holds master’s degrees in Healthcare Management and in International Law. Olha is currently employed by the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), where she leads the public health components of the USAID project “Public Health Systems Recovery & Resilience Activity” in Ukraine. Before joining Swiss TPH, Olha served as an advisor to a member of Ukraine’s Parliament on legal matters in the healthcare field to streamline important reforms of the blood donation system and the public health system, and to address urgent COVID-19-related needs. Olha also has extensive experience in legal consulting in the life sciences and healthcare sectors, where she has advised public and private actors on various regulatory issues, as well as supported the implementation of key legal developments in the field.

If there is anything we can do to make this event accessible to you, please contact us at crees@umich.edu. Please be aware that advance notice is necessary as some accommodations may require more time for the university to arrange.