Health facilities in Ukraine well prepared for pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza

On Wednesday, 11 November, the last WHO regional investigation team returned to Kyiv. While the teams have yet to finish drawing conclusions, they found health facilities in Ukraine well prepared and highly motivated to deal with the influx of cases.

In separate meetings with the Prime Minister and the President of Ukraine on Monday, 9 November (also attended by the ministers of Foreign Affairs and Health), the WHO mission thanked the Government for its openness and providing unrestricted access to facilities and data. The discussion focused on further action needed to combat the disease, particularly vaccinating the main risk groups in the population. WHO once more offered its full support in all necessary activities.

On 11 November, the Ministry of Health arranged and led a teleconference in Kyiv, connecting 486 hospitals and nearly 10 000 doctors in all 27 regions of Ukraine to facilitate sharing of clinical experience and lessons learned in fighting the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus. Clinicians in the worst affected areas had detailed discussions on what therapies they had used and how these could be adapted for the future. The participants discussed a wide range of issues and developments, including primary, obstetrical and intensive care and the essential supplies and equipment that were currently available and being mobilized.