Johanniter in Ukraine
Why we are on site
The full-scale war against Ukraine, which began on 24 February 2022, has caused immense destruction and suffering for millions of people. More than 14 million Ukrainians who have remained or returned are in need of assistance. Around 8.2 million have fled the country (source: UNHCR). Neighbouring countries such as Poland, Romania and Moldova have taken in and provided for many refugees.
Basic services are no longer guaranteed for many people in Ukraine, especially in the east and south of the country. Many people are living without reliable supplies of water, gas or electricity. The war is placing an enormous psychological and health burden on the Ukrainian population and local aid organisation staff. Around 3.7 million people are living as internally displaced persons within Ukraine. Wherever they have found shelter, they urgently need support.
Emergency aid after the start of the war
We were able to distribute the first aid parcels in the city of Poltava immediately after the fighting began, followed by more than 58 lorries with around 700 tonnes of aid within the first two months. Working with local businesses, local partners and St John Ambulance was crucial to the success of the relief effort in the first few weeks. While the initial focus was on food, nappies, blankets for the late winter and toiletries, medical supplies and medicines were increasingly included. From storage and distribution centres in Heidenau, Saxony, and via partner organisation Tasuleasa Social in Bistritz, Romania, supplies were continuously delivered to more than 40 health facilities.
Protection for women
Together with our partners, we support five women's shelters near Kyiv and in western Ukraine, where mothers and their children who have experienced violence during the war can find refuge. In the women's shelters run by Johanniter's partner organization ELEOS, they receive psychological therapy and social and legal advice and support from specially trained professionals. This helps them learn to cope with everyday life independently again and plan for their future despite their terrible experiences.
As part of our project with the local aid organization 100% Life, 200 women infected with hepatitis C receive free medical care at outpatient clinics in western Ukraine. They are often discriminated against in the public healthcare system or cannot afford treatment for liver disease. The chances of recovery are good. The project offers hope and new prospects to these women, many of whom are refugees and have experienced violence.
Project "Road of Hope"
As part of our “Road of Hope” project, we are working with the ELEOS organization to bring people from the Ukrainian border regions to safety. Local employees drive to the dangerous areas in all weather conditions, even when there are alerts, to enable elderly and sick people in particular, as well as families with few resources, to flee the unacceptable conditions in the Sumy, Kharkiv, and Donetsk regions. In 2025, 1,100 people were evacuated by the Eleos team. Upon arrival, the people are supported in their integration with food and hygiene packages or vouchers for medication and administrative assistance.