The World Health Organization (WHO) is working closely with Ukraine, countries hosting refugees, affected populations and partners to rapidly respond to the humanitarian crisis caused by war and minimize disruptions to the delivery of critical health care services. As part of these overarching efforts, WHO is working to enable access to tuberculosis (TB) care services for all people with or at risk of TB within Ukraine and in refugee-hosting countries.
A special information note has been released by WHO providing key information and guidance on ensuring continuity of essential TB services for people with TB and refugees affected by the war in Ukraine. This note provides an overview of key tools available to health authorities, partners, civil society and other stakeholders. WHO continues to monitor the situation closely for any changes that may influence this note and will issue updates should any factors change.
“WHO is deeply concerned for the well-being of the people of Ukraine, ” said Dr Tereza Kasaeva, Director of WHO’s Global TB Programme. “WHO is working closely with other UN agencies and partners, to proactively support efforts in enabling access to TB care services for people with TB, including for refugees and displaced populations at risk. We hope the note will provide guidance on prioritizing the needs of refugees and other populations in humanitarian settings, to ensure they are not left behind in accessing life-saving TB prevention and care services.