CRITICAL: Kyiv’s Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital in State of Emergency After russian Rocket Strike

Photos by Ukrainian photojournalist, Yan Dobronosov

On Monday, July 8th, russia unleashed at least 40 long-range missiles in five cities across Ukraine, targeting critical infrastructure and civilian residential regions. Fifty residential buildings, a medical center, and two medical facilities were impacted by russia’s missiles in Kyiv, including Ukraine’s largest pediatric facility, Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital. 

This heinous attack consists of one of russia’s largest war crimes and violations of international humanitarian law since the beginning of the invasion in February 2022. More than 600 patients along with hundreds of medical staff were present during the missile strike, while three patients were undergoing operations during the time of the attack. At the time of writing, 19 individuals have been confirmed to have lost their lives, including children, family members, and hospital personnel. Rescue workers continue to find and look for children under the rubble, yet the exact number of individuals dead and missing remains unknown. Tragically, the number of victims is only expected to increase as more time passes. 

The Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital contained critical medical supplies required for the treatment of fatal, complex conditions such as cancer along with components necessary for organ transplants. Crucial equipment such as intensive care units, operating rooms, and oncology supplies were severely damaged by the attack. In addition, the building where children received dialysis, a treatment that allows recovery from advanced kidney damage/failure was also destroyed. In total, 24 departments within the hospital have been destroyed  by russia’s vicious bombardments. The impact is dire and holds drastic long-term consequences: patients will lack proper access to essential, high-quality medical facilities that are crucial in the treatment of cancer and complex diseases for children.

This rocket strike has rendered countless children and families vulnerable as they face diminished accessibility to crucial medical facilities and safe zones to heal and recover.

When maximizing support and efficiency during emergencies, time is of the essence. In light of this fact, Nova Ukraine has developed “Nova Stash”, a fast-response project that aims to provide trusted partners an inventory of essential aid and services they can utilize during emergency situations. Following russia’s attack on Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital, Nova Stash promptly proceeded to the epicenter of the attack, providing critical aid and assistance to injured families, hospital staff, and rescue aid workers. In offering hot meals and fresh drinking water, along with assisting civilians with essential needs, Nova Ukraine volunteers are actively working to provide relief during the emergency. In just one day, Nova Ukraine has provided 5,000 individuals with meals at the site of the tragedy.

This is a rapidly evolving situation, and our team at Nova Ukraine is closely watching for critical updates. We are coordinating with our response partners and teams in Ukraine to ensure accurate, up-to-date information along with the continued provision of essential care to rescue workers and civilians at the emergency site.

Urgent Support Needed for the Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital

A substantial amount of hospital equipment has been destroyed or severely damaged, leaving countless patients without access to proper medical facilities. During this critical period, we request your support so that Nova Ukraine may continue providing emergency relief and humanitarian assistance to children, families, and medical staff following russia’s brutal missile strike. Areas requiring critical aid include:

• Access to Basic Necessities: accessibility to essential materials and supplies such as food, water, and medicine for patients and hospital staff
• Reconstruction: rebuilding of destroyed walls, windows, and other building components
• Equipment Supply: the provision of newly-supplied medical equipment for critical care and treatment of hospital patients
• General Safety of Patients and Medical Personnel: enhanced security measures and establishment of safe zones for the injured, hospital patients, and medical staff

Please consider donating on our Facebook fundraising page so that we may reach the most vulnerable with immediate assistance during this challenging period. 

In addition, here are other ways you can contribute to the efforts of Nova Ukraine:

RAISE AWARENESS: Use your voice to spread awareness about Ukraine and the efforts of Nova Ukraine in your respective community. Share the message to family, friends, and broader networks so we may amplify the call for support.

VOLUNTEER: Join the growing Nova Ukraine team to help support and organize diverse initiatives that aim to provide direct relief to Ukrainians during the war.

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