The war in Ukraine continues to take a heavy toll on millions of women and girls – from exacerbating the risks of gender-based violence, sexual exploitation and abuse, to eliminating livelihoods and increasing poverty levels. 

Intensified attacks and destruction of civilian infrastructure, particularly energy infrastructure, are causing a severe strain on social service systems. Constant shelling is also having a serious impact on stress levels and mental health for Ukrainians, contributing to an increase in complications during childbirth. About 7.8 million people need health assistance, and 11.5 million need protection services, including 2.5 million for gender-based violence prevention and response. The escalation of violence has worsened existing gender-based violence risks and created new ones, including conflict-related sexual violence and risks of sexual exploitation in refugee-hosting countries.

Displacement and the large-scale destruction of infrastructure have left critical forms of support out of reach for many, including health care facilities and services for survivors of violence. The number of Ukrainian refugees has increased to more than 6.47 million, with 92 percent in Europe. Within Ukraine, an estimated 3.7 million people are internally displaced, and 5.56 million have returned, facing challenges such as limited access to income, family separation and insecurity. 

In support of the Government of Ukraine, and with partners, UNFPA is working to restore and expand life-saving reproductive health and protection services. Mobile teams are providing psychosocial support to people in need in hard-to-reach areas of the country. Survivor relief centres, safe spaces and online services are being expanded to support survivors of violence, including conflict-related sexual violence. Mobile units take health services to women in remote parts of Ukraine, and a maternity unit in Kharkiv ensures that pregnant women have access to emergency obstetric care.

UNFPA is also supporting the development of maternity ward bunkers and mobile incubators to provide life-saving support during live shelling and power outages — as well as providing vital pharmaceutical supplies to maternity hospitals.