The First International Congress on Military Medicine and Mental Health, titled “Warrior: Life. Health. Combat Readiness,” was a pivotal moment for Ukraine. Held in Kyiv on July 27, 2024, the event brought together a distinguished assembly of Ukrainian and international experts in healthcare, rehabilitation, mental health, and military medicine.
Among the attendees were key government figures, including President Volodymyr Zelensky, First Lady Olena Zelenska, Head of the President’s Office Andriy Yermak, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk, Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov, Minister of Health Viktor Liashko, Ukrainian parliamentarians, diplomats, military personnel, representatives of specialized medical centers, public organizations, and charitable foundations.
Razom for Ukraine was honored to participate in this critical congress. Our team, led by CEO Dora Chomiak, CFO Oksana Falenchuk, and Executive Director Evelina Kurilets, actively participated in the event.
The congress delved deeply into the pressing issues facing Ukraine’s military and its personnel: physical and psychological health, rehabilitation, field medicine, and innovative solutions. Participants shared their experiences and expertise, fostering a collaborative environment to address these challenges.
Since the outset of the full-scale Russian invasion, Razom has been steadfast in its commitment to saving lives. “Razom has already purchased and delivered over 150,000 tactical first aid kits and over 3,500 medic backpacks to frontline areas. We have also created our own teams of instructors who conduct medical training for service-members and first responders. All of this is done with one goal in mind – to save lives, which is the most valuable thing,” shared Taras Hatalyak, Head of Razom Heroes program.
To further support first responders and civilians, Razom organized a hands-on workshop at the congress, teaching participants essential life-saving skills like applying tourniquets and packing wounds. Our experienced instructors shared their knowledge, empowering attendees with practical skills to make a difference.
Beyond addressing immediate medical needs, Razom is committed to supporting long-term recovery efforts. At the congress, during a meeting of the Interagency Working Group on the implementation of a pilot project aimed at reforming rehabilitation in the healthcare sector for military personnel, Oleksii Zakharchenko, Razom’s Communications Director in Ukraine, introduced the “Ukraine Rehabilitation Platform” project. This initiative is being carried out by Razom with support from SAP Ukraine. The online platform, accessible at rehabukraine.com, offers comprehensive information on over 415 rehabilitation centers throughout Ukraine. By mapping these centers, we strive to simplify the process of finding appropriate care and ensuring access to essential rehabilitation services.
The First International Congress on Military Medicine and Mental Health was a significant step forward in improving the lives of Ukrainian service-members and veterans. Razom for Ukraine remains committed to supporting their physical and mental well-being, and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure they have the resources and support they need.