Displaced people and European Union preparedness and response — lessons from Ukraine

Objective: To understand the short- and long-term responses of drug services to a major flux of displaced people and the related challenges.

Background: COVID-19 has raised attention in Europe, and globally, on the importance of monitoring preparedness towards potential emergencies.

Europe was again put to test with the start of the war in Ukraine. The massive flux of displaced people challenged the health services in Ukraine, in its neighbouring countries as well as in the rest of Europe.

The EMCDDA published a preliminary Trendspotter study in July 2022 to investigate the overall situation (an update is planned for 2023).

In this webinar we would like to highlight both sides of the coin: the challenges of a country at war and the responses implemented by the receiving countries.

The participation of experts based in Ukraine is confirmed although we need to be prepared for possible a black-out during the webinar.

In conversation with:

• Mrs Olga Gvozdetska, Deputy Director General of the Public Health Center, Ukraine
• Dr Kostiantyn Dumchev, Scientific Director at the Ukrainian Institute of Public Health Policy, Ukraine
• Mrs Stela Bivol, WHO strategic advisor for TB, HIV, hepatitis and STIs, WHO Geneva
• Mrs Ganna Dovbakh, Executive Director, Eurasian Harm Reduction Association (EHRA), Lithuania
• Dr David Otiashvili MD PhD, Director, Addiction Research Center Alternative Georgia, Georgia
• Mr Artur Malczewski, Polish Reitox Focal Point - National Center for Prevention of Addictions, Poland

Chairpersons: Anne Bergenström and Marica Ferri

Opening and closing remarks: Jane Mounteney, Head of unit, Public health

Format: EMCDDA opening remarks, panellists’ questions, guided discussion, Q&A.

Length: 1.5 hours

Participants: The webinar is open to all upon registration, after which the person will receive a link to connect.

Date: 14 December, 12.00-13.30 Lisbon time 13.00-14.30 (CET)

Platform: Zoom

Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-2yEi4w0QiSPS5mLmDrIhQ