Lviv, 19 July 2024 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine has officially handed over advanced rehabilitation equipment to the UNBROKEN centers in Lviv, marking a significant enhancement in the rehabilitation services available to those affected by the ongoing war in Ukraine.

With the war’s impact ever present, the need for comprehensive and effective rehabilitation services has become critical. The newly provided equipment, including a high-tech robotic milling machine and limb scanners for the Prosthetics and Orthotics Centre, along with specialised eye prosthetic kits for St. Luke’s Hospital, is set to revolutionize patient care. This technology will greatly improve the precision and efficiency of prosthetic manufacturing, enhancing patient outcomes and accelerating their recoveries.

UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine Jaco Cilliers emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, “The provision of this state-of-the-art equipment is a testament to UNDP’s commitment to enhancing the healthcare infrastructure in Ukraine. By integrating advanced technologies into rehabilitation services, we aim to significantly improve patient outcomes and support their journey towards recovery and reintegration.”

Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi highlighted the local impact, saying: “The cooperation between UNDP and the Lviv City Council is extremely important for our community. We are grateful to our consistent partners for their assistance! Thanks to the modern prosthetic and rehabilitation equipment provided to the UNBROKEN centers, our patients, most of whom have suffered from enemy aggression, will receive the highest quality care. This is an important step in strengthening resilience and the rehabilitation system in Lviv and Ukraine.” 

Anton Kuzio, a patient undergoing vision rehabilitation at UNBROKEN after an injury sustained near Maryinka in January 2024, shared his experience: “This advanced equipment has been a game-changer in my rehabilitation journey. It’s given me the tools to regain my independence and adapt to my new reality. I’m incredibly grateful to UNDP for making this possible.”

The handover event also underscored the critical role of advanced rehabilitation technology in addressing the complex needs of war-affected individuals. With the war continuing to cause severe injuries, the need for rapid and effective rehabilitation solutions is urgent. This equipment not only improves the quality of rehabilitation services but also contributes to the long-term resilience and well-being of patients.

The robotic milling machine and limb scanners at the Prosthetics and Orthotics Centre will significantly enhance the precision and efficiency of prosthetic manufacturing. This equipment allows for the automatic creation of prosthetic limb sockets after scanning, reducing production time by five times. Additionally, the eye prosthetic kits and specialised equipment at St. Luke’s Hospital will enable the creation of high-quality eye prosthetics, addressing the growing need for these services due to war-related injuries. The hospital received more than 300 glass eye prosthetic components, ensuring both temporary and permanent solutions tailored to each patient’s specific needs.

This initiative is part of a broader effort by UNDP to enhance the capacity of healthcare facilities in Ukraine. It includes creating barrier-free environments within rehabilitation centres, developing comprehensive rehabilitation programmes, and supporting the integration of advanced technologies in this domain. These efforts are critical for addressing the complex needs of individuals affected by explosive ordnance and ensuring they receive holistic and effective care.

The handover of this advanced rehabilitation equipment, procured with funding from the Governments of the Republic of Korea and Germany, is a significant step in enhancing Ukraine’s ability to provide high-quality rehabilitative care. It reflects a concerted effort to address the immediate and long-term needs of those affected by the war, ensuring they receive the best possible support on their recovery journey.

Media enquiries: Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Head of Communications; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org