Due to Russia's attempts to destroy the energy sector of Ukraine, the lives of millions of Ukrainians will be under threat this winter, the head of the European office of the World Health Organization Hans Henry Kluge stated at a briefing in Kyiv, BBC reports.
“Half the country's energy infrastructure is damaged or destroyed. This is already affecting the healthcare system and the health of people. Put simply, this winter will be about survival," Kluge said.
According to WHO, two to three million more Ukrainians may leave their homes "in search of warmth and safety" this coming winter.
Residents of the country in the absence of heating and light are more than usually threatened by respiratory tract infections, influenza and coronavirus.
According to the WHO representative, hundreds of hospitals and other healthcare facilities are already unable to work properly due to the Russian strikes on the energy sector - there is no or not enough electricity and water.
According to Kluge, maternity hospitals need incubators, blood banks need refrigerators, and intensive care units need ventilators, all of which require energy.
Earlier, the WHO reported that more than 10 million people in Ukraine now need psychological assistance.