Voices from the frontlines: Ukrainian mental health leaders share insights

As the war in Ukraine persists, mental health has emerged as an essential component for socio-economic resilience. Addressing the profound psychological impacts of the war is vital for fostering resilience and rebuilding communities, making mental health support a top priority for Ukraine’s recovery. Yet according to recent data, while 77% of Ukrainians report experiencing stress or nervousness due to the war, only 6% sought professional help.

On September 30, Pact hosted an event titled, “Reimagining Mental Health Services in Ukraine: Leadership and Action for Change Amid the War Crisis,” at Ukraine House in Washington, DC. The gathering highlighted the importance of expanding access to mental health services in Ukraine and brought together key stakeholders dedicated to supporting war-affected populations. With nearly 40 attendees, including USAID officials, INGOs (20 organizations), academic researchers and other stakeholders, the room was filled with a shared commitment to mental health resilience and recovery.

The event featured an all-Ukrainian panel composed of influential senior health leaders in mental health care moderated by Alyona Gerasimova (PHS R&R Chief of Party and Pact Ukraine Country Director). Among the panelists were Oksana Zbitnieva from the National Mental Health Coordination Center, Valeriia Palii from the National Psychological Association of Ukraine, Iryna Pinchuk of the League of Social Workers of Ukraine, and Svitlana Danchak from the Nursing Institute, Ternopil National Medical University. Their collective expertise provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities for mental health services in Ukraine.

Key highlights from the panel included a focus on the psychological impact of war, emphasizing the often invisible but profound effects on Ukrainians, and ongoing efforts to expand the mental health workforce through training of non-medical providers, such as social workers, to address widespread mental health challenges. 

Oksana Zbitnieva shared insights on the national “How Are You?” program, aimed at transforming mental health care in the country. “How are You? becomes a guide through difficult times,” explained Oksana. "As Ukrainians, we are well acquainted with the formula for resilience: steadfast values, social connections, active involvement and warm relationships... We must now learn to build interactions in a new way because all of us are people with the experience of war."

In addition to the panel, Ana Djapovic Scholl, Branch Chief of USAID’s Global Health Bureau, shared valuable insights on USAID’s ongoing efforts to prioritize mental health and psychosocial support programming in Ukraine and draw on lessons learned from other countries that have experienced war and conflict. 

Reflecting on the discussion, a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach to mental health in Ukraine is necessary. As emphasized in closing remarks by Pact’s Senior Director for Global Health, Shirley Ko, strong and forward-thinking leadership in scaling up mental health promotion and prevention—exemplified by the panelists — is essential. Mental health cannot be addressed in isolation; it must be integrated into a broader ecosystem encompassing health care, public health, education, social services and other sectors. By embedding mental health into primary care and community-based services, Ukraine is developing a resilient system that reaches everyone, ensuring no one is left behind.

The event underscored the importance of ongoing learning and adaptation, positioning Ukraine as a potential model for mental health care in crisis settings. This is also evident in the initiatives launched under the Pact-led USAID Public Health System Recovery and Resilience project’s mental health efforts. The challenges faced, along with the innovative solutions being implemented, offer valuable lessons for other nations grappling with war and conflict. Partnerships, including international collaborations, play a crucial role in advancing these efforts.

Prioritizing mental health is not just a national imperative for Ukraine; it has significant implications for the global community. As we move forward, let us remain committed to fostering resilience and supporting the mental health needs of those affected by war. Together, we can create a brighter future for Ukraine, one that values the well-being of its people as a cornerstone of recovery and growth.