The level of human suffering in Ukraine increases with each passing day. The war has taken thousands of lives, caused untold destruction, displaced millions and resulted in unacceptable violations of human rights. Furthermore, there are 2.7 million persons with disabilities registered in Ukraine. Many of those face incredible difficulties fleeing the war, while others who managed face the challenges of adapting to the host countries’ social and healthcare systems and accessing vital medical services.  

 
With regard to the above, an IOM Bulgaria team visited the towns of Yambol and Haskovo and met people fleeing the war in Ukraine who are currently settled in the two towns. As part of IOM’s activities in response to the crisis in Ukraine, IOM Bulgaria provides various forms of assistance to vulnerable individuals, including medical assistance such as purchase of medicines, accompanying people to hospitals and medical centres and covering expenses for check-ups and medical tests. 

 
Many of the Ukrainian refugees in both Yambol and Haskovo are elderly people, single mothers and people with serious health conditions and subsequently need urgent support. During this particular field visit, the IOM representatives provided social and healthcare consultations and purchased medicines for people with chronic diseases. Those medicines are often live saving, but very difficult to afford for the Ukrainian refugees whose financial situation remains problematic to say the least.  

 
The people our team met had different backgrounds and stories, but what united them was their courage and strong will despite the shock of the military invasion and the myriads of difficulties they face with the coming of winter. Until now, IOM Bulgaria has provided healthcare support to more than 440 vulnerable individuals who have fled the war in Ukraine. We are determined to continue reaching out to those in need of urgent support.  

IOM Bulgaria's activities in support of the people fleeing the war in Ukraine are funded by The Migrant and Refugee Fund (MRF) of the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB), The Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration of the U.S. Department of State and UK Aid Direct, funded by the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office