Ukrainians need care yesterday: Building tomorrow's rehabilitation sector

Multiple traumas

Kseniya explains that most injuries are traumatic. "Many patients suffer from multiple traumas, such as spinal cord and brain injuries. Tens of thousands of people have undergone amputations. The area covered in landmines is 4 times the size of the Netherlands. Experts estimate that if this war continues, we will see 10,000 new amputations every year. Amputations almost always lead to mental health issues. Patients will need healthcare for the rest of their lives. So, we want to prepare them for reintegration into society. Our project focuses on providing comprehensive care from an early stage."

Objectives

The project has 2 objectives. The first is to rebuild a rehabilitation centre in Dnipro, which will accommodate over 500 patients each year. It involves significant renovations and the installation of the necessary equipment. The second objective is to establish an educational training programme in the Netherlands and a follow-up programme in Ukraine. This initiative will help boost the skills and knowledge of 384 medical professionals.

Rebuilding the rehabilitation centre in Dnipro

Kseniya shares how the Netherlands For Ukraine Foundation, together with project partner Superhumans, is achieving the objectives. "Superhumans has built a rehabilitation centre in Lviv and continues to improve the facility. We are replicating the successful parts in Dnipro and adding new knowledge from the Netherlands. Our centre will be a 2.0 facility strategically located 100 km from the frontline. The building supervisor, Ivan Marchak, is a professional builder and Superhumans patient; both his legs have been amputated. His motivation is truly inspiring."

Setting up an educational training programme

"The demand for new medical expertise is extremely high and we expect our waiting list for trainees to grow. According to the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, nearly 11,000 specialists have joined the rehabilitation system in the past 2 years, significantly surpassing previous numbers. The government plans to recruit more than 9,000 new specialists in the next 2 years. An effective education relies on a multi-disciplinary approach, but the current approach in Ukraine is outdated. The Netherlands was one of the first countries to adopt a multi-disciplinary approach after World War II. Also, the Dutch focus on reintegration into daily life presents a new concept for Ukraine, where we learn as we go. This new approach challenges the traditional medical systems in Ukraine."

The importance of exchanging knowledge

"An essential part of our educational programme is training in 3D printing. Radboud University has a 3D lab that is very helpful in sharing its knowledge on artificial intelligence and the practical use of 3D technologies. It is fascinating to witness this innovative approach, which allows for faster and more cost-effective printing of prostheses and their components. By combining Dutch knowledge with Ukrainian data, we can help improve people's lives and advance technology."

Making the impossible possible

We could not have achieved this without our project partners, Healthcare4Ukraine and the Superhumans Center. Kseniya explains, "Constructing the building and installing the technologies without trained personnel would have been pointless. To create sustainable impact, we had to complement each other's strengths. While there are many initiatives throughout Ukraine, most are small-scale and very specialised. Our approach is holistic: we address the health care needs of the person as a whole, considering not only their physical health but also their mental well-being and social integration."

Kseniya proudly states, "We could not have done this without the immense dedication of our team in Kyiv, who continued to work even after a missile hit their office. Not a single conference call was cancelled that day. We could not have asked for a better coordinator for the educational programme than Healthcare4Ukraine. We are also grateful to RVO for their support and understanding as we adapt to this new reality on a daily basis. We are always improving our project, and RVO promptly processes our change requests. Without their swift approval, we would not have been able to operate effectively and efficiently."

Kseniya reflects, "After 3 years, my financial situation has changed significantly. While I do not receive any funding from the foundation, I feel a deep sense of fulfilment in what we are accomplishing. I am proud we can create sustainable impact through this UPF project. Our goal is to create a long-term effect on the Ukrainian rehabilitation sector. Ukrainians are suffering and need care yesterday. For me, there is no greater motivation than to help and support Ukraine."