Canada’s Medical Support for Ukraine

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) and the Canada Ukraine Foundation (CUF) on Nov.  4 launched an appeal to the Government of Canada, all provinces and territories and Canadians to help the people of Ukraine deal with a serious outbreak of pandemic flu ravaging the country.

In response to an urgent plea from the Government of Ukraine, this Canadian appeal calls for donations of specialized medical supplies to support sick and critically ill Ukrainians across their country. The World Health Organization reports the pandemic now covers 14 Oblasts (Provinces), including Kyiv, Donetsk,  Zhytomyr, and Kirovograd, all of whom now exceed World Health Organization (WHO) standards for epidemic status.  By the weekend of November 8, the number of persons sick with serious respiratory illnesses had exploded from 250,000 to almost 900,000, and 37,031 children under 18 years old have been reported ill, with nearly 40,000 people hospitalized. 

UCC and CUF are coordinating efforts to receive medical supplies and donations of funds for the purchase of medical supplies. In cooperation, the Embassy of Ukraine in Canada will ensure rapid distribution of the supplies and support within Ukraine.

Supplies needed include: antibiotics; Hand sanitizers and liquid soap; masks (surgical or N95); Multi-vitamins; syringes; surgical gloves; safety disposal boxes; surgical wardrobe; ventilators; and disposable gowns.

“I have requested that the Prime Minister of Canada designate a portion of foreign assistance funding toward immediate humanitarian medical aid to help Ukraine fight the H1N1 flu pandemic”, stated Ukrainian Canadian Congress President, Paul Grod.  “As the pandemic spreads across Ukraine, pushing into the European Union, I urge the Prime Minister, on behalf of all Canadians, to generously donate funds and medical supplies to combat this deadly virus.  What impacts Ukraine, and Europe, affects Canada.”

First respondents to the Ukrainian Canadian appeal include Air Canada, the Cole Group, Purolator, Jim Temerty and Health Partners International (HPI), who answered the call for crucial medical supplies, funds and logistics support. “These companies and individuals have been incredible.  Not only are we grateful for their quick response and overwhelming generosity, these companies understand that, as nations, we are inextricably linked between Europe and North America” stated Bob Onyschuk Q.C. Chairman of the Canada Ukraine Foundation.  “Donate, because it can save the lives of children in need,” stated Onyschuk. 

Valued at $200,000, the first shipment is scheduled to depart Toronto for Kyiv on Monday, Nov. 9 - non-pharmaceutical medical supplies. Other containers are scheduled to be shipped on Wednesday, Nov. 11 - pharmaceutical supplies and Friday, Nov. 13 - all medical supplies.

Financial donations will be used to purchase the needed medical supplies and cover transportation costs. Mail donations to CUF, 203-952 Main St. Winnipeg MB, Canada R2W 3P4.

Donations of supplies, vitamins and antibiotics valued at over $160,000 and donations of over $60,000 in cash for medical supplies have been received by the Canada Ukraine Foundation.  These funds will be used to purchase additional medical supplies and their distribution to the areas in Ukraine ravaged by the pandemic.

Further information and details on what is needed and how you can donate or help are available at www.ucc.ca or www.cufoundation.ca or you may contact Lesia Demkowicz at ucc@ucc.ca or   tel: (204) 942-4627. www.ucc.ca or www.cufoundation.ca

Request from Government of Ukraine

The Council of National Security and Defence of Ukraine made the decision to request international aid from the international community. The Ministry of Healthcare of Ukraine has made an international appeal for the following:

·       Vaccines for prevention of pandemic flu for the risk groups (15.3 million doses);

·       Machines for artificial lung ventilation including those meant for children and of the higher class for long-term ventilation, transport respirators of the NEWPORT type; - Fibre-optic bronchoscopes;  anticontagious filters; aspirators; cardiac monitors; pulseoxymetry devices; equipment for the devices; infusion pumps; Oseltamivir; antibiotics; immune correctors; disinfection facilities; protection facilities (glasses, masks, gloves, respirators etc.); test-systems, facilities for virologic laboratories.

·       Medicines: Tamiflu; Tienam; Amoxiclav; Sulperason; Levofloxacin; Meropenem; Calcemin; Oxybate Sodium; Seduxen (Diazepam); Propofol; Dexamethasone; Hydrocortisone (IV); Fentalin.