The UN intends to extend its support for social programs in Ukraine.
This was reported by the press service of Ministry of Social Policy, as conveyed by Ukrinform.
“For us, the priority has been, is, and will continue to be the establishment of an effective social protection system, centered around those in need of support. We are currently finalizing a strategy for the development of social services, which will enhance their quality and accessibility. The introduction of a social services market and the unification of service delivery standards will not only enable a prompt response to citizens' needs but also create a clear algorithm for interaction between the state and service providers. Our task is to make this system flexible, inclusive, and ready to face any challenges, and we are grateful that the UN is willing to participate in this process,” Zholnovych noted.
Schmale assured that the UN intends to continue actively supporting the Ukrainian government in improving the effectiveness of social program implementation and responding to humanitarian challenges. He emphasized the importance of defining clear strategic priorities in social policy that will ensure the sustainability of decisions and long-term support for the population. This will allow for more effective resource allocation and guarantee that assistance reaches those who need it most.
The participants of the meeting also highlighted the results achieved through joint efforts.
In particular, with the support of the World Food Programme UN, 420,000 pensioners in combat zones received additional cash assistance totaling over 2 billion UAH. More than 320,000 individuals with disabilities from childhood and children with disabilities received assistance amounting to 830 million UAH.
Last year, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) provided payments for solid fuel during the winter period, and support will continue in this year's autumn-winter season.
Additionally, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) allocated over 460 million UAH to support low-income large families and families with children with disabilities living in Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Zaporizhia, and Kharkiv regions. Support was also provided to families residing in areas subject to mandatory evacuation and those affected by enemy shelling.
Thanks to the support of the UN, partner organizations, including non-governmental social service providers (to ensure supported living for individuals with disabilities and elderly people among internally displaced persons), were engaged in cooperation.
As reported, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) handed over 10 equipped vehicles to Ukraine to support the social services and healthcare system in frontline communities.
Photo: Ministry of Reintegration