First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska opened the forum “Human Resilience – System Resilience” in Kyiv. The event was organized within the framework of the All-Ukrainian Mental Health Program “How Are You?” initiated by the President's wife. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Iryna Vereshchuk also attended the forum.
The Mental Health Forum is a three-day platform for sharing experiences and developing solutions to build a mental health system and services in Ukraine during the ongoing war and recovery efforts.
In his speech, Denys Shmyhal said, “The state is increasing the number of personnel providing assistance to people with mental health issues. Mental health services are free and included in the Medical Guarantee Program. This year, up to 400,000 Ukrainians have been able to benefit from them. A network of resilience centers has been established. 211 communities from 23 regions are involved. Our focus is on children. We are activating a three-level component of psychological support for veterans during their transition from military service to civilian life.”
Almost all ministries and agencies are involved in these and other activities.
The forum participants include MPs, representatives of central executive authorities, expert and scientific communities, higher education institutions, and non-governmental organizations.
“I am grateful to all those who, in different areas, under different conditions, with different experiences, contribute to the common cause – to surround Ukrainians with care and provide them with moral strength. Unfortunately, we cannot heal all the wounds. But we can give a feeling of support, understanding and empathy to everyone who is in pain,” Olena Zelenska said.
The President's wife noted that while implementing the “How are you?” program, Ukraine is studying the experience of those countries where mental health projects have been operating for many years. But at the same time, it is following its own unique path, because it has a challenge that is unlike any other.
“Only you, those who directly create our program at all levels, know how to help a patient when a specialist is in the same extreme conditions – under fire, in constant uncertainty, under stress. How to create a mental health service in places where it seemed impossible before. For example, in a museum, a palace of culture, a sports section, or an administrative service center,” the First Lady said.
According to Minister of Health Viktor Liashko, since the beginning of the year, more than 375,000 Ukrainians have received mental health care at the primary healthcare level. This is three times more than last year. In total, more than 108,000 specialists have been trained.
During the forum, regions, communities, individual centers, specialized institutions, and innovators were honored with special program awards.
“Ukraine knows what it is building. Ukraine is aligned with the world's best practices and has effective expert support. I am grateful to everyone who is helping us with this! We don't want anyone to go through an experience like ours, but we are ready to share our best practices to make life easier around the world,” the First Lady concluded.
The forum is organized by the WHO, which provides expert support to the “How are you?” program, and the Cabinet of Ministers' Coordination Center for Mental Health, which supports and implements the program.