The event continued the strategic dialogue between Ukraine and Sweden, initiated by a cooperation agreement in December 2023, and focused on long-term support for reforms in the Ukrainian healthcare system.

The conference was opened by Swedish Minister for Social Affairs and Public Health Jakob Forssmed. The Minister of Health of Ukraine, Viktor Liashko, participated online. Representatives from both governments, international organizations, businesses, hospitals, the scientific community, and civil society took part in the discussions.

Among the members of the Ukrainian delegation was Nataliia Tulinova, foundress and CEO of ZDOROVI, who presented Ukraine’s practical experience in transforming healthcare during the full-scale war and discussed effective models of international partnership in the healthcare sector.

Ukrainian Experience Shaping European Solutions

In her speech, Natalia Tulinova highlighted how the war has acted as a catalyst for profound changes in Ukraine’s healthcare system – from management decisions to the introduction of new models of patient care and support for medical professionals. She emphasized that Ukraine’s experience is not only unique but also highly valuable for European partners.

She also highlighted the importance of moving from ad hoc humanitarian solutions to systematic cooperation, including the development of hospital capacities, training of management teams, implementation of modern infrastructure and clinical approaches, and support for the mental health of medical professionals.

A Partnership Delivering Results

During the conference, special attention was given to the practical outcomes of cooperation between Ukraine and Sweden. Nataliia Tulinova presented ZDOROVI’s experience in partnership with international organizations and companies – including Swecare, SWECO, AddLife, MedicSolution Nordic AB – as well as academic institutions and expert networks.

Specific achievements were mentioned:

strengthening hospital capacity;

supplying critical equipment, including 6 lung ventilation machines from AddLife and 4 autonomous surgical boxes from MedicSolution Nordic AB;

advancing medical education, with more than 9,000 registrations for educational events in collaboration with SWECO and ReAct;

procuring a mannequin for simulation training;

preparing to develop an educational program for managers in collaboration with the Stockholm School of Economics (SSE);

implementing joint initiatives in the field of antimicrobial resistance and the rational use of antibiotics.

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“It is fundamentally important for us not only to show how things work in other countries, but also, together with our partners, to adapt solutions to Ukrainian realities. It is this kind of cooperation that builds trust and enables us to develop a sustainable healthcare system even in times of crisis,” emphasized Nataliia Tulinova.

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International Support for Ukraine Remains Strategic

During the conference, Sweden reaffirmed its long-term commitment to supporting Ukraine. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Sweden has provided Ukraine with appr. SEK 109 billion in aid. A significant portion of this support is directed specifically toward healthcare, reconstruction, and reforming the system in line with European standards and Ukraine's EU accession process.

The discussions in Stockholm went beyond today’s challenges, focusing on what Ukraine’s healthcare system should look like after the war, taking into account losses, new burdens, and European standards. In this context, Ukraine’s experience serves as the foundation for decisions that will function not in emergency mode, but sustainably over the long term.

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“Almost all of the delegates representing Ukraine are now more than just partners – they are friends. For them, Sweden is no longer just a dot on the map, but a space where Ukraine is growing through partnerships, joint projects, and human connections. From my own experience, I can say that this mutual trust and support will endure for a long time,” emphasized Kateryna Pavelko, project manager at Swecare.

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We would like to express our gratitude to Swecare for inviting us to speak and for the partnership, which is built on trust, shared values, and tangible results.