Panel 479 – Bridging Minds and Borders in Conflict

Panel 479 – Bridging Minds and Borders in Conflict: Canadian Red Cross’s Evidence-Based Support to Ukrainian Red Cross to Strengthen Ukraine’s Health System and Innovations in Conflict Psychotherapy

The war in Ukraine has left a profound impact on its population, causing extensive damage to infrastructure and weakening healthcare systems. Since the onset of the conflict, the Canadian Red Cross (CRC), alongside other Red Cross Red Crescent movement partners, has been actively engaged in providing support to the Ukrainian Red Cross (UKRC). Leveraging evidence-based learning from past and ongoing programming initiatives, the CRC has embarked on a comprehensive effort to bolster the UKRC’s capacity to respond to the crisis.

One significant aspect of this support involves the establishment and operation of mobile health units, for which the CRC provides technical and financial assistance. Drawing upon insights gained from previous programming experiences, these mobile units are deployed strategically to deliver essential healthcare services to affected populations. The data collected from the service delivery model serves as invaluable decision-making points, aiding in the evaluation of the effectiveness and relevance of mobile health programming in the context of the conflict.

Furthermore, the CRC is actively engaged in empowering healthcare professionals at the Lviv hospital in Ukraine. Through evidence-based trainings and updates, nurses are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality care amidst challenging circumstances. Of particular note is the CRC’s collaboration with the Lviv hospital to support psychotherapists who are addressing the mental health needs of individuals staying at the hospital. This interdisciplinary team employs innovative approaches such as talk therapy, art therapy, and full-body therapy, with a focus on addressing the unique challenges faced by former prisoners of war. The utilization of full-body therapy, in particular, represents a novel and potentially transformative approach within the field of psychotherapy, with implications for addressing the mental health consequences of conflict-related trauma.

Against the backdrop of escalating conflicts worldwide, with Canada playing a pivotal role in humanitarian response efforts, this panel discussion aims to provide participants with a deeper understanding of the intersectionality between geodiplomacy, scientific approaches, and collaborative solutions in supporting vulnerable populations affected by war. Through a comprehensive exploration of the CRC’s initiatives in Ukraine, attendees will gain insights into the practical application of evidence-based strategies to mitigate the impact of conflict on health systems and promote resilience among affected communities.