You’re Invited: Inside Ukraine’s Healthcare Crisis—A Live Webinar with Q&A
More than four years into the war, Ukraine’s doctors and frontline healthcare workers continue to care for patients under extraordinary and often dangerous conditions.
We invite you to join us for a webinar that explores the immense challenges facing Ukraine’s healthcare system, and the heroic actions being taken by organizations and individuals to restore health and dignity. Join us for stories about hope and solidarity in the face of enduring conflict.
The Situation in Ukraine
Hospitals and clinics remain under relentless strain. Surgeries are performed by flashlight. Life-support systems are interrupted. Millions remain displaced and without consistent access to care. Since February 2022, more than 15,000 civilians have been killed and over 40,600 injured, with the true toll believed to be far higher. Rehabilitation needs are surging. Physical and psychological trauma is widespread.
The humanitarian crisis is not only ongoing — it is evolving and growing more complex as healthcare providers work under constant threat with dwindling resources.
Delivering Health in the Midst of Conflict
Since the earliest days of the war, Afya, its partners, and supporters have stood alongside Ukraine’s healthcare community. What began as an emergency mobilization has become the largest and most sustained humanitarian effort in Afya’s history. Millions of dollars worth of humanitarian and medical aid have flowed to the frontlines of the conflict.
Moderator
Mark D. Medin
Executive Vice President, Financial Resource Development, UJA-Federation of New York
Mark. D. Medin has served as Executive Vice President for Financial Resource Development at UJA-Federation of New York, the largest local philanthropy in the world, since July 2010. In this position, Mr. Medin is responsible for overall management, strategy and implementation of a multi-faceted fundraising campaign that raises approximately $200 million annually to care for people in need, strengthen the Jewish community and inspire a passion for Jewish life and learning in New York, Israel and around the world.
Prior to assuming this position at UJA-Federation, Mr. Medin served as Executive Vice President and CEO of the American Friends of Bar-Ilan University, as Executive Vice President at Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life and in a variety of senior positions at the Anti-Defamation League.
Mr. Medin has an M.A. in Middle Eastern Studies from George Washington University and a B.A. in Political Science from the University of South Florida.
Panelists
Danielle Butin, MPH, OTR (based in New York)
Founder & CEO, Afya
Danielle Butin is the founder and CEO of the Afya Foundation, a New York–based nonprofit dedicated to improving global health by rescuing and redistributing surplus medical supplies. Inspired by a transformative experience in the Serengeti, she launched Afya in 2007 after recognizing that millions of pounds of usable medical supplies in the U.S. are discarded each year.
Under her leadership, Afya has delivered over 13 million pounds of medical supplies and humanitarian aid, valued at $68 million, to 91 countries and 24 U.S. states, while diverting significant waste from landfills.
A former healthcare executive, Butin holds a Master of Public Health from Columbia University and a degree in Occupational Therapy from New York University. She is also an adjunct faculty member at Columbia and the author of Wild Hope Now. Her work has earned widespread recognition and has been featured in major media outlets, reflecting her commitment to advancing health equity and sustainability worldwide.
Olga Oleksyk, MD, PhD (based in Ukraine)
Endocrinologist | Health Policy Expert | Public Health Advocate
Dr. Olga Oleksyk is a Ukrainian endocrinologist with over 25 years of experience in clinical medicine, specializing in diabetes, metabolic disorders, and women’s hormonal health. She holds a PhD in Medicine and is an Honored Doctor of Ukraine.
She is a Deputy of the Zakarpattia Regional Council and Chair of the Commission on Healthcare, Social Policy and Veterans’ Affairs, where she works on strengthening regional healthcare systems during the ongoing medical reforms in Ukraine.
Dr. Oleksyk is the founder of EndoClinic in Uzhhorod and the President of the Association of Endocrinologists and Preventive Medicine Physicians of the Carpathian Region.
She has also played an important role in facilitating the transfer of humanitarian medical equipment to rehabilitation units in the region, supporting recovery services for both civilians and military personnel in Ukraine.
Halyna Skipalska, PhD (based in Ukraine)
Executive Director, Ukrainian Foundation for Public Health; Country Director in Ukraine, HealthRight International
Halyna Skipalska is a Ukrainian human rights leader and gender expert with over 20 years of experience in gender-based violence (GBV), conflict-related sexual violence (CSRV), public health, and humanitarian response. She is the Country Director of HealthRight International in Ukraine and Executive Director of the Ukrainian Foundation for Public Health. Halyna leads national reforms and large-scale programs supporting survivors of violence, displaced populations, and vulnerable communities, and played a key role in scaling humanitarian and protection services following Russia’s 2022 invasion. She serves on the Supervisory Council of the Humanitarian NGO Platform in Ukraine and on the PSEA Network Steering Committee. She also served as a member of the Ukraine Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) in 2024–2025. In 2023, she received the Voices of Courage Award. She holds a PhD in Social Sciences.
Svitlana Yaremchuk, MD, PhD, Dr. Med (based in Ukraine)
Board Member, Israeli Medical Mission in Ukraine
Dr. Svitlana Yaremchuk is a Ukrainian otolaryngologist, researcher, and professor with more than 30 years of experience in clinical practice and academic medicine. She serves as a Senior Scientific Collaborator and ENT surgeon at the Institute of Otolaryngology of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, where she combines clinical work with scientific research. She is also a Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology at the National Academy of Health Care of Ukraine.
Dr. Yaremchuk’s work focuses on rhinology, voice disorders, and ENT-related clinical research. She has served as a principal investigator in international clinical trials and is the author of 97 scientific publications in specialized medical journals.
She is actively engaged in international medical collaboration and professional organizations. Dr. Yaremchuk is the National Coordinator of World Voice Day in Ukraine, a member of the International Rhinologic Society, and President of the Ukrainian-Polish Medical Council. She also represents Ukraine in the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS), serves as Vice President of the Ukrainian Federation of Professional Medical Organizations, and is a Board Member of the Israeli Medical Mission of Ukraine.
Dr. Yaremchuk was born in Kyiv, Ukraine and speaks Ukrainian, Russian, English, Polish, and German.
Why You Should Attend
While global headlines shift, the strain on Ukraine’s healthcare system persists. By attending this webinar, you will gain:
- A clear understanding of the current humanitarian and medical landscape
- Firsthand insight into how donated medical supplies are used in real clinical settings
- Greater clarity on priority needs moving forward
- Concrete ways to engage — through in-kind donations, financial support, or advocacy
Who Should Attend
- Philanthropic leaders and institutions
- Healthcare and global health professionals
- Logistics and supply chain partners
- Supporters of Ukraine and humanitarian response
- Anyone seeking meaningful ways to help
Join us for an inside look at humanitarian medicine in Ukraine—and learn how solidarity, partnership, and action are saving lives.
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