The humanitarian situation in April 2024 was dire, marked by intensified hostilities near the frontline and large-scale attacks targeting energy infrastructure and residential neighborhoods. This resulted in blackouts and civilian casualties. The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine reported that at least 129 civilians were killed and 574 injured in April 2024 alone, with the number of injured increasing significantly for the second consecutive month.
Despite reduced humanitarian access in certain regions, health partners continued their efforts to reach an estimated 3,447 individuals with rapid humanitarian health assistance in response to intensifying attacks since December 2023. In order to effectively support the Ministry of Health (MoH), a joint Q&A session was organized on 3 April by the Ukraine Health Cluster, Ministry of Social Policy, MoH, and Ukrainian Public Health Center to discuss new legislation related to the importation of commodities as humanitarian aid in Ukraine.
In response to the deteriorating situation, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) sustained heavy damage to an office in Donetska oblast, injuring five people and forcing the NGO to temporarily suspend some activities in the oblast. To address this issue, MSF is working closely with local authorities and partners on efforts to rebuild damaged infrastructure and resume operations as soon as possible.
The Health Cluster reviewed and published an updated Health Cluster Emergency Response and Preparedness plan in April 2024. This revised plan takes into account contextual developments and includes information on partner capacity and preparedness to effectively support the MoH. The plan also highlights ongoing efforts to ensure that healthcare workers are protected from attacks on health facilities by implementing measures such as security protocols at hospitals and clinics.
