Mental health care: World Bank gives Ukraine EUR 100M loan

This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Health, according to Ukrinform.

"On December 23, Minister of Health of Ukraine Viktor Liashko and World Bank Country Director for Ukraine, Belarus and Mdova Arup Banerji signed a loan agreement for EUR 100 million and a non-repayable grant agreement for USD 10 million from the Global Financing Facility. These funds will provide for initial financing of the project with a total value of USD 500 million," the statement reads.

As noted, the project will include measures to address new and urgent needs in the field of mental health and rehabilitation. In particular, activities aimed at implementing effective rehabilitation and mental health services will be financed.

Read also: One in four Ukrainians at risk of mental disorder due to war – WHO

The project envisages procurement of necessary rehabilitation equipment and vehicles for mobile multidisciplinary mental health teams; restoration works in institutions providing mental health and rehabilitation services; training of health care workers at primary and specialized levels.

The HEAL project plan includes measures to restore and support primary healthcare facilities and hospitals. First of all, it concerns restoration of damaged and destroyed buildings and premises of medical institutions.

Another important area of the project is to support digitalization and innovation in the medical sector.

Health officials report that currently, with the support of the World Bank, the Ministry of Health of Ukraine continues to implement two major projects in the healthcare sector. In particular, Serving Pele, Improving Health Project and Ukraine Emergency COVID-19 Response and Vaccination Project. The total amount of the World Bank loan for these projects is USD 681.1 million.

As reported, the World Bank has approved an additional financing package totaling $610 million to address Ukraine's urgent aid and recovery needs.