Currently, about 3.4 million children in Ukraine have limited access to water and sanitation, said Munir Mammadzadeh, UNICEF Representative in Ukraine.
“We know that about 3.4 million children have problems with access to water and sanitation, and the problem is especially acute in the frontline regions,” he said in an interview withInterfax-Ukraine.
That is why the supply of drinking water and hygiene kits is one of the key tasks for UNICEF. In addition, the UN Children’s Fund is working with water utilities on large-scale projects to restore infrastructure to make drinking water available. According to Mammadzadeh, even if children are not directly exposed to the risk of hostilities or attacks, the lack of normal life and anxiety also significantly affects their mental health.
UNICEF pays a lot of attention to the psychological problems of children and adolescents in the context of war.
“This is one of the areas where a lot of work is being done, as 1.5 million children in Ukraine today face problems such as depression, insomnia, and anxiety. We also know that during this thousand days, children have spent 2,800 to 4,800 hours in shelters while regular alarms sound – these estimates show the scale of the war’s impact on children: since the beginning of the war, they have spent an average of 4 to 6.5 months in shelters,” Mammadzadeh said.
He noted that a number of programs are already being organized to provide psychological assistance to children in Ukraine. For example, resilience centers in local communities already include mental health components as basic services. UNICEF also cooperates with Ukrainian universities to train good mental health professionals and works with school teachers and psychologists to help them recognize the elements of anxiety in children and provide basic assistance.
Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, UNICEF has managed to mobilize more than $1 billion to help young Ukrainians, said Munir Mammadzadeh, head of the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Ukraine.
“We were in the country before the war, our mandate covered development and humanitarian issues. That is, we were already working and had a presence in the regions, which helped us to launch a full-fledged response to the full-scale war and attract additional resources to help children as much as possible. During this time, we have managed to mobilize more than $1 billion for Ukraine and neighboring countries where Ukrainians have started to move because of the war,” he said in an interview with Interfax-Ukraine.
According to Mammadzadeh, UNICEF’s request for humanitarian aid for Ukraine for this year is $496 million, and 70% of this amount has been funded, which shows the interest of donor countries in supporting Ukraine. He noted that it is often impossible to attract more than 50%.
In addition, in addition to humanitarian aid to the needy, UNICEF also has programmatic activities related to development, recovery and other areas. “We are now clearly distinguishing between what is humanitarian activity – saving lives – and what is part of our development work,” said Mammadzade.
According to him, next year UNICEF plans to reduce the humanitarian request by 20% compared to this year and increase plans and requests for systemic work, i.e. the development component of the mandate, which includes social protection issues.
The article presents key macroeconomic indicators of Ukraine and the global economy for January-July 2024. The analysis is based on official data from the State Statistics Service of Ukraine, the National Bank of Ukraine, the IMF, the World Bank, and the UN, on the basis of which Maksym Urakin, PhD in Economics, founder of the Experts Club Information and Analytical Center and Director of Business Development and Marketing, presented an analysis of macroeconomic trends in Ukraine and the world. Key aspects such as the dynamics of gross domestic product (GDP), inflation, unemployment, foreign trade and public debt of Ukraine, as well as global macroeconomic trends are considered.
Macroeconomic indicators of Ukraine
In the first eight months of 2024, Ukraine’s economy demonstrated steady positive dynamics amid recovery from the crisis. The National Bank of Ukraine estimated real GDP growth in the second quarter at 3.7% compared to the same period last year, which is in line with the April forecast. In July, this figure accelerated to 4.4% (compared to 3.1% in June and 3.5% in May), which was the result of an earlier and faster harvest.
“Ukraine’s economic successes in 2024 show that the country is beginning to overcome the consequences of the crisis. However, against the background of these indicators, it is important to take into account the growth of the negative foreign trade balance. This is a signal of the need to strengthen domestic production and increase export potential to avoid imbalances in the future,” said Maksym Urakin, founder of the Experts Club information and analytical center.
According to the State Statistics Service, the negative balance of Ukraine’s foreign trade in goods in January-August 2024 increased by 6.5% compared to the same period last year and amounted to $17.613 billion. The main reason for the increase was a slowdown in export growth amid accelerated imports. At the same time, Ukraine’s international reserves grew by 13.7%, reaching $42.33 billion, thanks to the attraction of long-term concessional financing from international partners.
“The growth of reserves to record levels is an important signal of confidence from international partners. However, it is important to realize that inflation remains a challenge. In August, inflation was 7.5% year-on-year after 5.4% in July and 4.8% in June. High inflation can significantly reduce the purchasing power of the population,” Urakin emphasized.
Inflation in August was 0.6% compared to July, when the price level remained unchanged. At the same time, the August price increase contrasts with the figures for the same month last year, when there was a 1.4% decline.
Ukraine’s public debt also changed in the second quarter of 2024. The total amount of state and state-guaranteed debt in hryvnia equivalent increased by UAH 243.7 billion, and in dollar equivalent by $1.1 billion. At the same time, the weighted average debt service rate decreased from 6.24% to 5.6% per annum, which indicates an increase in the efficiency of debt management.
“Effective public debt management, including lowering the interest rates on loans, is an important step for Ukraine’s financial stability. This allows the country to focus on strategic investments in infrastructure and social development,” the expert added.
Global economy
At the global level, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) left unchanged its forecast for global economic growth in 2024 at 3.2%, but improved its expectations for 2025 to 3.3%. The main drivers of global growth remain emerging market countries, including China and India, whose economies are expected to grow by 5% and 7% respectively.
“The global economy continues to move forward, but faces key challenges, including inflation and high interest rates. Interestingly, the IMF has adjusted its expectations for oil prices – they are expected to rise slightly in 2024, but decline in 2025. This underscores the importance of the stability of commodity markets for developing countries,” said Maxim Urakin.
The European economy shows more modest results. According to IMF forecasts, the Eurozone’s GDP will grow by only 0.9% in 2024, while Germany’s economy will grow by only 0.2%.
“Europe is facing many challenges – from the energy crisis to the slowdown in industrial growth. For Ukraine, this is an opportunity to strengthen its position in trade relations with the EU by exporting competitive goods and services,” the expert emphasized.
Conclusion.
The economic indicators of Ukraine and the world in January-August 2024 show mixed results. Steady GDP growth and strengthened reserves are accompanied by inflationary risks and a negative trade balance. The global economy, while moving forward, is being held back by inflation and geopolitical factors.
“It is crucial for Ukraine to focus on creating an attractive investment climate, increasing labor productivity and developing export opportunities. This will be the key to sustainable economic growth and financial stability in the future,” summarized Maksym Urakin.
Maksym Urakin, Head of the Economic Monitoring project, PhD in Economics
More detailed analysis of Ukraine’s economic indicators is available in the monthly information and analytical products of the Interfax-Ukraine agency “Economic Monitoring”.
Source: https://interfax.com.ua/news/projects/1028834.html
On November 15, 2024, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency hosted a press conference on “Social Responsibility Practices in Time of War” dedicated to the specifics of Ukrainian business during the war period. The event brought together representatives of leading companies and experts who shared their own cases, innovative practices and visions of the future.
Olena Plakhova, Director of Reputation Management and Marketing at Nova Poshta, emphasized that business in Ukraine is now performing much more than traditional functions and often takes on some of the responsibilities of the state.
“This happens not because of coercion, but because businesses realize their responsibility to society. It is important to rethink the social contract – we not only expect help from the state, but also actively engage in solving urgent problems. For example, the Humanitarian Mail of Ukraine program, which started in 2014, now supports more than 2,000 recipient foundations by providing free delivery of humanitarian aid,” she said.
“Not only did we quickly organize our work, but we also supported local communities and supplied military checkpoints. Our warehouse in Makariv was destroyed, but we found the resources to resume the supply of medicines. It was a unique experience when we had to negotiate logistics corridors and make decisions quickly. In the future, it is important for us to help the victims and participate in the restoration of medical infrastructure, as this is a key part of our mission,” said Yevheniia Piddubna, Corporate Communications Director, Farmak JSC.
In his turn, Oleksandr Sosis, beneficiary of Alliance Bank, noted that the war has changed the emphasis of the company’s social responsibility.
“Previously, our programs were mainly related to employee support, but now the focus has shifted to external initiatives. One example is our Good Deeds Forum, which has become a platform for supporting volunteers. Many of them have become leaders of public initiatives that are now working even more effectively than some government agencies,” he emphasized.
Sergiy Shevchenko, KSG Agro’s press service representative, spoke about the agricultural holding’s activities in the frontline region.
“We have adapted our operations to the war conditions, increased salaries for our employees and strengthened security at our facilities. One of the key areas was ensuring food safety: we increased the number of pigs at our complex in Kherson region from 500 to 20 thousand. This is an important contribution to the stability of the region and support for local communities,” said the farmer.
Maksym Urakin, Director of Development and Marketing at Interfax-Ukraine and founder of the Experts Club think tank, emphasized the importance of helping civilians and creating communication projects in times of war.
“Our project “Find Your Loved Ones” has become a lifesaver for many civilians who have lost contact with their families due to the war. We have combined the efforts of the media and volunteers to search for missing people and have achieved significant results. We also help volunteer initiatives by organizing press conferences, providing information support and supplying mobile hospitals for civilians,” he said.
According to the expert, the Ukrainian economy is showing significant growth despite the challenges.
“In the first nine months of 2024, Ukraine’s GDP grew by 4.5% year-on-year. The results of the metallurgical sector are particularly impressive, as it increased production of steel and rolled products by 22-28% during this period. The agricultural sector also showed a significant increase due to the early harvest of late crops,” said Maxim Urakin.
According to him, Ukrainian business continues to adapt to the war by moving production to safer regions or even abroad.
“Medium-sized businesses are forced to actively migrate across Ukraine and integrate into the European economy – more than 200 companies have opened production facilities in the EU,” Urakin added.
But there are also negative trends. The expert emphasized the need to improve trust in government institutions, as according to an April survey by Active Group and Experts Club, 57% of citizens do not trust government agencies, and 62% do not trust law enforcement agencies.
The event also featured the presentation of the book Unbreakable Business by Oleksandr Holizdra and Serhiy Shevchenko, which tells unique stories about the resilience of Ukrainian companies during the war period. The publication has become a symbol of the entrepreneurial spirit that inspires us to move towards victory.
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According to a study conducted by the sociological company Active Group in cooperation with the analytical center Experts Club, a significant number of Ukrainians have used medical laboratories over the past two years. In particular, private medical laboratories play an important role in the healthcare sector, as more and more people are turning to them for high-quality and fast medical services.
The top 10 most visited private medical laboratories in Ukraine are as follows:
1. Synevo – 39.5% of respondents said they had used the services of this laboratory. Synevo is the undisputed market leader, which can be explained by its wide network of laboratories across the country, modern equipment and high level of trust from the population. Synevo is known for its accessibility and a wide range of services that meet the needs of both ordinary citizens and medical professionals.
2. “Dila – 15.5% of respondents have visited this laboratory. “Dila also has a strong position in the market due to the high quality of its services, in particular the accuracy of analyzes and the speed of service. The laboratory is actively developing innovative diagnostic methods, which attracts consumers looking for modern medical solutions.
3. “Eskulab – 9.3% of Ukrainians choose this laboratory. “Eskulab has strengthened its position due to its regional coverage, especially in the western regions of Ukraine. An important factor in its popularity is the availability of services in remote locations, which makes the laboratory convenient for a large part of the population.
4. Invivo – 6.1% of respondents used the services of this laboratory. Invivo is known for its individual approach to each client, which contributes to its popularity among patients who value quality and comfort. An important aspect of success is a convenient system for obtaining results and high accuracy of analyzes.
5. “DniproLab – 4.8% of respondents chose this laboratory. Dneprolab has strong positions in the central and eastern regions of the country. The main factors that ensure its popularity are the promptness of results and affordable pricing.
6. “Median – 2.5% of visitors used the services of Median. This laboratory is known for the accuracy of its tests and the introduction of modern diagnostic methods. Despite its smaller scale compared to market leaders, Median offers high-quality services that attract patients who value professionalism.
7. “Medlab – 4.5% of respondents have used this laboratory. “Medlab provides quality service and modern facilities for patients, which makes it popular among those looking for reliable medical services at a reasonable price.
8. DNA Laboratory – 2.3% of respondents chose this laboratory. Its specialization in genetic research and diagnostics helps the laboratory to attract clients who need such specialized services.
9. “Unimed – 2.3% of visitors preferred Unimed. The laboratory attracts customers with its convenience and the ability to get results quickly and without queues. This provides a positive experience for patients who value comfort and time.
10. “New Diagnostics – 2% of respondents chose this laboratory. It specializes in accurate and fast tests, which makes it attractive to customers who need reliable diagnostics.
In general, the most visited laboratories are those that offer a wide range of services, modern equipment, and ensure high accuracy of results. At the same time, prices remain an important factor, as according to the survey, 69.8% of respondents said that the cost of services needs to be reduced, 31.8% – the accuracy of results, 15.2% – the speed of service, 12.5% – the conditions in the laboratory, 11.8% – the politeness of the staff. Competition between laboratories helps to improve the quality of service and reduce the cost of services, which has a positive impact on the overall healthcare market in Ukraine.
The survey was conducted in July by individual interviews. The survey involved 600 respondents.
According to Andriy Yeremenko, founder of Active Group research company, the increase in the number of private medical laboratories in Ukraine indicates a systematic increase in demand for their services. At the same time, competition between laboratories has a positive impact on the quality and cost of analysis.
He predicts that the market will continue to develop in the future, making it easier to open new laboratories and improve existing ones. This, in turn, will increase competition, which will further reduce prices and improve the quality of medical services.
For his part, Maksim Urakin, founder of the Experts Club information and analytical center, emphasized that the study confirms the trend of increasing demand for private medical laboratories among Ukrainians.
“The survey data indicate an increase in confidence in the private medical sector and its capabilities. At the same time, the high level of competition in the market encourages laboratories to innovate, improve diagnostic accuracy and customer service. This trend is a positive signal for all market participants, as improving the quality of medical services and making them accessible to more people contributes to the overall improvement of the health of the Ukrainian population,” the founder of Experts Club believes.
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About 7.7% of Ukrainians use the services of private medical laboratories five to 10 times a year, while 32.7% of Ukrainians use private laboratories less than five times a year.
This is according to a study conducted by the sociological company Active Group together with the Experts Club think tank.
According to the study, 34.8% of respondents visit private laboratories less than once a year, while 22.5% of Ukrainians do not visit them at all.
The top 10 most visited laboratories in Ukraine over the past two years include Synevo, which was visited by 39.5% of respondents, Dila (15.5%), Aesculab (9.3%), Invivo (6.1%), DniproLab (4.8%), Median (2.5%), Medlab (4.5%), DNA Laboratory (2.3%), Unimed (2.3%), and Nova Diagnostika (2%).
At the same time, 51.4% of respondents did not visit private medical laboratories at all.
When asked what aspects of private laboratories need to be improved, 69.8% of respondents said that it was the cost of services, 31.8% – the accuracy of results, 15.2% – the speed of service, 12.5% – the conditions in the laboratory, 11.8% – the politeness of the staff.
The survey was conducted in July by individual interviews. The study involved 600 respondents.
According to Andriy Yeremenko, founder of Active Group research company, the increase in the number of private medical laboratories in Ukraine indicates a systematic increase in demand for their services. At the same time, competition between laboratories has a positive impact on the quality and cost of analysis.
He predicts that the market will continue to develop in the future, making it easier to open new laboratories and improve existing ones. This, in turn, will increase competition, which will further reduce prices and improve the quality of medical services.
For his part, Maksim Urakin, founder of the Experts Club information and analytical center, emphasized that the study confirms the trend of increasing demand for private medical laboratories among Ukrainians.
“The survey data indicate an increase in confidence in the private medical sector and its capabilities. At the same time, the high level of competition in the market encourages laboratories to innovate, improve diagnostic accuracy and customer service. This trend is a positive signal for all market participants, as improving the quality of medical services and making them accessible to more people contributes to the overall improvement of the health of the Ukrainian population,” said the founder of Experts Club.
