Sydney, Australia
HealthServe Australia has announced a new campaign to fundraise for health and medical supplies in Ukraine. The campaign aims to raise $A125,000 for the Christian Medical Association of Ukraine.
HealthServe Australia is working with partner organisations to help resource and support Ukrainian Christian doctors through communications, medical supplies, and aid.
Australians packing medical supplies for Ukraine. PICTURE: Courtesy of HealthServe Australia.
Dr Michael Burke, executive officer of HealthServe Australia, told Sight that his love of his neighbours was his motivation for getting involved, and that he was concerned for friends of his who were in Ukraine.
“We have a goal to raise $A125,000 by Easter to help Christian doctors on the front lines” Dr Burke said.
“The Christian Medical Association of Ukraine needs us to stand alongside them and provide whatever support we can.”
HealthServe Australia is part of an international effort to support doctors in Ukraine. The organisation is currently working alongside the International Christian Medical and Dental Fellowship and the Christian Medical and Dental Fellowship of Australia to deliver aid to people in Ukraine.
HealthServe said the money they are aiming to raise will provide much needed resources and supplies for medical teams working on the frontlines and providing first aid.
“Doctors in Ukraine are telling us that they need basic medical supplies such as bandages, CPR face shields, rubber gloves, antiseptics, thermal blankets and burn dressings, among a long list of needs. We can help with this” Dr Burke said.
“The first aid responders need basic essentials that we can take for granted such as paracetamol, throat sprays, anti-inflammatories, and face masks.”
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Dr Burke said that HealthServe Australia is in constant contact with doctors and healthcare workers in Ukraine.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to all people caught in the conflict,” Dr Burke said.
“In addition to raising funds to help with medical supplies, we would like to raise awareness of the medical needs of both health care workers and civilians.”
At the time of writing, the appeal had raised more than $A47,000 towards its $A125,000 goal. Dr Burke said that the campaign had been well received, and that $A30,000 had already been deployed.
“We’re on the ground,” Dr Burke said.
In addition to those within Ukraine, Dr Burke said he was concerned about some four million people who were fleeing Ukraine into neighbouring countries, and that these displaced persons would need support.
Healthserve’s appeal comes as churches around the world have stepped up to help people fleeing from the violence.
Reuters reported this week that the UN human rights office in Geneva had recorded 2,032 civilian casualties – 780 killed and 1,252 injured – since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began on 24th February, although the real toll is believed to be much higher. Some 3.2 million civilians, mostly women and children, have now fled Ukraine to neighbouring countries.
To donate to HealthServe’s Ukraine appeal, visit the website here. Donations to this appeal are tax deductable.
