Ireland and ESTDEV sign a €1 million agreement to strengthen healthcare education in Ukraine
Ireland is providing €1 million to the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV) to strengthen healthcare education and expand professional training opportunities for Ukrainian healthcare workers.
The funding agreement was formalised on Monday 12 October in Dublin, Ireland, with the signing of a Contribution Agreement by Andrea Kivi, Chief Executive Officer of ESTDEV, and Michael Gaffey, Director General of the Development Cooperation and Africa Division at Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
“In supporting Ukraine and its people, it’s vital that EU Member States work together and cooperate in responding to the needs arising from Russia’s brutal and illegal invasion. We are delighted to build on our existing partnership with Estonia, through ESTDEV in supporting Ukraine by working together on the EduHealth Ukraine programme,” said Michael Gaffey.
“Ukraine’s healthcare system needs skilled people as much as it needs strong infrastructure. Ireland’s support allows us to invest in the professionals who are keeping the system running today and will be essential to its recovery in the years ahead. We are grateful to Ireland for its trust and partnership,” said Andrea Kivi.
The funding, provided through Irish Aid, will support the first phase of EduHealth Ukraine, an education and health programme for Ukraine. A major focus will be modernising competency-based curricula and strengthening the skills of academic staff and clinical supervisors. This will include curriculum development, train-the-trainer programmes, and practical and simulation-based training.
The programme will also expand continuing professional development opportunities for healthcare professionals. Doctors, nurses, paramedics and rehabilitation specialists will receive specialised training in trauma and disaster medicine.
Today’s agreement puts into action Ireland’s €1 million commitment to Ukraine, announced last month when Irish Foreign Minister Helen McEntee visited Estonia and met with Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna.
The agreement also marks a growing partnership between Estonia and Ireland in support of Ukraine. In 2025, Ireland provided €1 million through ESTDEV for the HEAL Berdychiv project, supporting the renovation of intensive care and rehabilitation wards at Berdychiv City Hospital and training for medical professionals.
By combining Irish and Estonian funding and expertise, and Ukrainian priorities, the partnership is addressing urgent healthcare needs while strengthening the skills and capacity Ukraine will need for its long-term recovery.
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