Helping patients with epilepsy during a full-scale war in the country: Some aspects of Ukrainian experience

Abstract

On February 24, 2022, the troops of the Russian Federation launched a full-scale invasion of the territory of Ukraine. The health care system has suffered the damage and destruction of medical care facilities, medical supply systems, and logistics. Problems in the medical care system have arisen throughout the territory, but to a greater extent, in territories where hostilities were or are continuing, in areas which were occupied, or occupied and destroyed during the occupation. During a full-scale war, the health care system goes onto a "war footing" with all the consequences this entails. As of early February 2023, the WHO Surveillance System for Attacks on Health Care has verified over 760 attacks in Ukraine, with close to 700 attacks impacting health facilities directly. The situation is particularly dire in areas close to the front line, or areas recently retaken by the Government of Ukraine. In these areas most health facilities are not functioning, and many of those who stayed behind – the elderly, persons with low mobility, those with physical disabilities – have complex needs that the health system is struggling to meet under the current circumstances.