Ukraine: Project HOPE & Partners Launch Rehabilitation Project

Kyiv, Ukraine, [November 7, 2024] – Project HOPE, with support from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), led by Momentum Wheels for Humanity and in partnership with Results for Development (R4D), the National Assembly of People with Disabilities of Ukraine (NAIU), and Deloitte, officially launched the five-year “Rehabilitation for Ukraine” (Rehab4U) project. This essential initiative addresses urgent needs within Ukraine’s rehabilitation system, working to improve access to services and drive sustainable, systemic change.

According to Ukraine’s Ministry of Health, over 250,000 individuals each year require physical rehabilitation due to the impacts of the ongoing war. Demand for rehabilitation services has reached a critical level, and the current system faces pressing challenges in management, funding, and service provision that need immediate action.

Over the next five years, Rehab4U partners will work to strengthen and expand rehabilitation services in 15 regions, ensuring a nationwide impact.

As part of this initiative, Project HOPE will focus on three key areas:

• Developing a Case Management Model that integrates medical and social services to provide continuous and comprehensive support for people with disabilities throughout their rehabilitation journey.
• Empowering Local Organizations to enhance their capacity to deliver community-based rehabilitation services.
• Conducting a Comprehensive Awareness Campaign aimed at addressing and reducing the stigma surrounding disabilities.

Speaking at the event, United States Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink told the audience,“ The number of injured veterans and civilians since the start of the full-scale invasion has made strengthening rehabilitation services a priority investment for the United States, as we work to support your people who suffer every day under Russia’s cruel attacks.”

Minister of Health Viktor Liashko remarked, “The ongoing full-scale war poses new challenges to the healthcare system. The launch of the Rehab4U project is especially important for our country today, as the development of a modern rehabilitation system and improved access to quality services remain our top priorities.”

“Project HOPE is thrilled to join our partners in the Rehab4U project, working together to strengthen and develop rehabilitation services for individuals across Ukraine,” concluded Pavlo Havalko, Project Coordinator at Project HOPE in Ukraine.