Mayor backs Greater Manchester-based frontline medical aid charity UK-Med's Ukraine appeal

Greater Manchester-based frontline medical aid charity UK-Med has launched an emergency appeal with the backing of Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, and the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce to support the humanitarian health crisis unfolding in Ukraine, as nearly half a million people flee to neighbouring countries.

The appeal is launched as a UK-Med assessment team fly to Poland to meet potential partners to assess and anticipate the emergency health needs caused by the Russian invasion, now in its seventh day.

Of the thousands of people who have fled the country already, many have left with just the clothes on their back and a few possessions. Temperatures in Kyiv and across the region are dropping below freezing.

The WHO have reported dangerously low oxygen supplies inside Ukraine. Covid-19 vaccination efforts have stopped, with only 40% of the country vaccinated. Ukraine has also been battling a Polio outbreak since October, but again, vaccination campaigns have had to be abandoned in the conflict.

The number of civilian casualties and deaths as a consequence of the fighting is rising. On Monday night (28 February), Ukraine’s Ministry of Health reported more than 350 civilian deaths. As this number rises, it’s anticipated that hospitals inside Ukraine will need support with surgical and trauma care.

 

 

Mr Burnham said: "Last week I wrote to the Mayors of the Ukrainian cities of Kyiv, Kharkiv and Lviv to express my shock, sorrow and outrage at the ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Greater Manchester has strong links with Ukraine and we are home to thousands of people of Ukrainian heritage.

"The people of Greater Manchester are known for our generosity. To the people of those three cities, I have already offered any humanitarian assistance or supplies that are needed. We will do what we can to help, as we always do.

"I commend the UK-Med assessment team due to fly to Poland and the wider fundraising efforts of the charity during such a worrying and dangerous time.

"People in Greater Manchester will doubtless want to donate food, clothing and other supplies. While undoubtedly needed, this specific drive is to raise funds which could purchase medical equipment and other supplies, and to enable healthcare professionals from our city-region and beyond to support those in need on the frontline in Ukraine.

"If you can spare money and want to support, I would encourage you to do so as soon as you can – go online and visit uk-med.org/ukraine-appeal.

"The people of Ukraine remain in our thoughts, and we hope and pray for their safety."

UK-Med’s Health Director Dr Ram Vadi and Humanitarian Operations Director Tom Godfrey are travelling to Warsaw to meet with prospective partners to understand more about the refugee health needs on the Polish border and discuss how to support the emerging health emergency triggered by the conflict.

UK-Med’s CEO David Wightwick said: “UK-Med expresses its gravest concern for the safety, health and well-being of all those affected by the humanitarian tragedy which is fast unfolding in Ukraine and its bordering countries.

“UK-Med saves lives in emergencies, we believe everyone should have the healthcare they need when disasters and crises hit. When health systems are overwhelmed, we get expert health teams to where they’re needed fast. That’s why it’s vital we are sending a team of experts to talk with our partners and assess how we can best support those most in need.

“We are grateful for the backing of the Greater Manchester Mayor and the Chamber of Commerce. It is fantastic to get their support at a time when thousands potentially millions of people are in such great need. The response of the public has been overwhelming and we ask for them to support UK-Med’s Ukraine Appeal.”

The UN estimates around half a million people have already fled for bordering Romania, Moldovia, Hungary, Slovakia and Poland with many at the Polish border.

The EU estimates the total number of displaced people heading for Ukraine’s neighbouring countries could reach as many as four million people.

To donate to the UK-Med Ukraine Appeal visit: uk-med.org/ukraine-appeal.

 

Read more: Ukraine crisis: Local drop-off points for donationsPublished: 01 March 2022