Support to Ukraine’s healthcare capacity

The full-scale invasion has placed exceptional strain on both civilian and military healthcare systems in Ukraine. Estimates from Ukrainian authorities and international analytical bodies indicate that the healthcare system treats approximately 10,000 new injury cases each month.

The support provided by the Swedish Civil Defence and Resilience Agency targets both formal healthcare systems and volunteer initiatives, with a focus on relieving pressure and strengthening resilience. As early as May 2022, the agency conducted its first on-site emergency trauma training in Ukraine.

Healthcare support in 2026

In 2026, healthcare support amounts to SEK 35.4 million. Funding is provided by the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defence.

Repower: recovery support for combat medics

In 2025, cooperation began with the Swedish–Ukrainian charity Repower. Repower organizes recovery stays in Sweden and other countries for medical personnel in the Ukrainian Armed Forces. A key element of Repower’s work is processing traumatic experiences through peer support. Other important aspects include experience sharing and knowledge exchange. This also provides valuable learning opportunities for healthcare actors in Sweden.

In 2026, the agency will continue its support to Repower. The support consists of financial contributions to enable recovery stays, with a particular focus on those carried out in Sweden. The Swedish Civil Defence and Resilience Agency also plans to support follow-up recovery stays in safer areas within Ukraine.

Strengthening emergency care capacity across society

The war in Ukraine has led to many severe injuries and fatalities that could have been prevented if both civilians and military personnel had stronger basic skills in first aid and emergency care. Since 2022, the Swedish Civil Defence and Resilience Agency has worked with volunteer organizations aimed at improving emergency care knowledge across society.

Approximately 130 medical instructors have been trained. These instructors are estimated to have trained around 100,000 people in basic healthcare skills. Many of these individuals serve as volunteer medics at the front or as part of formal military units.

Others work, for example, as teachers and have been trained to respond to life-threatening situations involving students in the event of attacks on schools. The initiative has also strengthened the emergency medical capacity of rescue services.

In 2026, the agency will continue its medical instructor training programmes in Ukraine, with a particular focus on evacuation in frontline areas.

Evacuation of Ukrainian patients to Sweden

Ukraine’s healthcare system remains under severe pressure due to the war. Since 2022, the Swedish Civil Defence and Resilience Agency, the National Board of Health and Welfare, and the Swedish Migration Agency have jointly carried out a government assignment to receive injured or seriously ill Ukrainian patients for treatment in Sweden.

The agency’s role is to receive requests for medical care from Ukraine, coordinate them with relevant stakeholders, and carry out medical evacuations to Sweden. Since 2022, 276 patients have been evacuated to Sweden, helping to relieve pressure on Ukraine’s civilian healthcare system and freeing up an equivalent number of critical care beds.

Transport of donations

The agency supports the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare, regional authorities, and other actors in coordinating and transporting donations of medical supplies and medical equipment to Ukraine.

NATO project: Renovator

In 2025, the Swedish Civil Defence and Resiliene Agency was tasked with establishing Sweden’s centre for the rehabilitation of wounded soldiers in Ukraine. As part of this assignment, the agency will renovate an existing facility in Ukraine for rehabilitation purposes.

Following rehabilitation, the aim is for soldiers to return to military service or, alternatively, transition to civilian life with a good quality of life and the ability to contribute to Ukrainian society in other ways. The work is carried out in cooperation with the Swedish Armed Forces, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, the Swedish Fortifications Agency, and the National Board of Health and Welfare. The project is funded through NATO’s support fund.