Supporting mental health through digital remote diagnostics and consultations

The war in Ukraine has caused an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, with a deepening mental health crisis at its core. According to WHO, 9.6 million Ukrainians are at risk of or already living with a mental health disorder. OCHA estimates that 53% of the population experiences anxiety, 38% depression and 42% stress. Children and young people are the most vulnerable.

In addition to the direct threat of war, their education has been deeply disrupted, and everyday learning is taking place amidst disruption and uncertainty. According to the Ministry of Education and Research of Ukraine, by the end of the 2024/25 academic year, more than a third of students were not studying in a full-time classroom setting, and 11% were completely dependent on distance learning. In such conditions, children are deprived of the opportunity to experience a stable and safe learning environment, which is essential to support their mental health, emotional balance and developmental needs.

According to UNESCO, 26% of teenagers have been diagnosed with PTSD and 75% have experienced severe stress, which directly affects children’s ability to learn, concentrate and emotional stability. Professional mental health care is difficult to access in Ukraine. The system is constrained by chronic underfunding, staff shortages and uneven regional distribution of services. WHO has documented over 2,250 attacks on healthcare facilities, including psychiatric hospitals and clinics. Many professionals have left or relocated, leaving the remaining staff overwhelmed. To alleviate this situation, the project will continue to provide free online psychological and psychiatric counselling to improve access to mental health services.