Germany Pledges €10 Million to Rebuild Ukraine’s “Ohmatdyt” Children’s Hospital

A recent Russian airstrike on July 8 heavily damaged “Ohmatdyt,” Ukraine’s largest children’s clinic. The hospital sustained significant destruction, jeopardizing critical medical services for thousands of young patients.

Responding to the urgent crisis, Germany has pledged €10 million to aid reconstruction efforts. This vital funding will join support from other donors and will be used to restore the hospital’s functionality before winter arrives. The project encompasses repairs to facades, treatment rooms, and essential infrastructure like electrical and heating systems.

The attack inflicted severe damage, completely destroying the children’s dialysis and blood disease center along with the hospital’s central power supply. “Ohmatdyt” is a lifeline for approximately 20,000 children annually, with some, particularly those battling cancer, unable to receive equivalent care elsewhere in Ukraine.

“The destruction of this children’s hospital exemplifies the ruthless and inhumane nature of Russia’s war,” stated Development Minister Svenja Schulze.

“Children suffer disproportionately in this conflict, and we cannot allow this vital treatment center for children with cancer to be lost.” Germany has a long-standing partnership with “Ohmatdyt” through German-Ukrainian healthcare cooperation. “We immediately offered our assistance to help restore the hospital and ensure children continue to receive the critical care they need,” Schulze continued.

Ukrainian Ambassador to Germany, Oleksiy Makeev, highlighted the devastating impact of the war on the country’s medical infrastructure. Since February, Russia has completely destroyed over 210 medical facilities and heavily damaged more than 1,600.

He expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of support from Germany, including both political leaders and medical institutions. “This is far more than just condolences,” Makeev emphasized. “To overcome the consequences of Russia’s aggression, we must rebuild without delay. Germany has once again proven its leadership with this €10 million contribution.”