The ongoing conflict in Ukraine threatens the lives and livelihoods of millions of civilians. More than 11 million people have been forced to flee their homes and more than 4 million crossed borders to escape the conflict. Displaced families have left behind jobs, belongings, and loved ones, and they need shelter, food, and water.
Heavy fighting, shelling, and air strikes continue to have devastating consequences – critical infrastructure such as health facilities, water supplies and schools have been damaged or destroyed. Farmers cannot plant, harvest, or transport their crops and, since Ukraine is a major global source of grain, this is driving up food prices around the world.
Action Against Hunger has been working nonstop to help Ukrainian families in crisis. To date, our emergency response has reached 150,000 people in Ukraine and neighboring Poland, Romania, and Moldova.
More than 24 million people in Ukraine – more than half of the country’s population – will need humanitarian assistance in the coming months, according to the United Nations. This figure is an increase of 8 million compared to previous estimates done less than two months ago.
A study of adults affected by the conflict revealed that a third of Ukrainians are experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). There is also significant stigma surrounding mental health issues and care, generally related to lack of awareness.
In western Ukraine, we’re focusing on supporting mobile health clinics, setting up mental health support services, and providing families with cash so they can buy food and other essential items. In eastern Ukraine and the Donbas region, we’re working through local partners to provide food, hygiene kits, mental health support, and medicine.
Poland has received the most refugees from Ukraine: more than 2.7 million people have arrived so far.
Action Against Hunger is working in Poland to:
More than 500,000 people have arrived in Romania from Ukraine. “The more time passes, the more vulnerable people who arrive are,” says Julien Eyrard, an Action Against Hunger water, sanitation and hygiene expert in Romania.
We’re working with local partners to set up mental health projects in Lasi, near the border with Ukraine. Our teams have also set up cash transfer programs in Bucharest, Lasi, and Suceava so families can buy food, medicine, and anything else they need.
With a population of 2.6 million, Moldova is one of the poorest countries in Europe. It’s receiving the most refugees per capita of all of Ukraine’s neighbors, with four refugees for every 100 residents.
Action Against Hunger’s emergency teams have been working in Moldova and its borders with Ukraine since the conflict started.
Our response in the country includes:
Where there is conflict, there is hunger. In Ukraine, its neighboring countries, and in communities around the world, Action Against Hunger’s teams are helping to prevent and treat hunger, improve access to clean water and safe sanitation, provide health and mental health services, and increase food security. Donate now to support our efforts >>
Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 21 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across 56 countries, our 8,900 dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good.
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