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Mental Health for Ukraine (MH4U)


The Mental Health for Ukraine project is a flagship Swiss engagement which strengthens the capacity and resilience of the mental health system in a context of growing demand and resource scarcity. Switzerland renews its multi-year commitment and pursues a tailored approach addressing acute mental health needs as a consequence of the conflict. The project contributes to the overall resilience of the Ukrainian people, aligns with government priorities and supports Ukraine’s reform path.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Ukraine
Health
nothemedefined
Mental health & well-being
01.03.2024 - 29.02.2028
 CHF  12’050’000
The project in brief
Background Mental health needs and priorities have increased drastically following the largescale military aggression against Ukraine. The people of Ukraine have been put under immense psychological stress driven by dramatic changes to their daily life, exposure to violence, terror, uncertainty, physical injuries and loss or separation of loved ones. Many have struggled with increased cost of living, inadequate access to shelter, food, and water as well as vital legal, educational and healthcare services. According to the United Nations, an estimated 22% of people affected by the military aggression have mental health conditions and the majority of Ukrainians consider the most significant impact of the conflict to be on their mental health. The response of the Government of Ukraine to these challenges follows a reform agenda initiated since 2017 which aims at preserving and safeguarding Ukraine’s human capital. Switzerland has substantially contributed to these reforms.
Objectives The negative consequences of war for peopIe with mental health challenges have been mitigated by improved access and quality of care at community level.
Target groups

Direct beneficiaries: The direct project beneficiaries are 12 million persons residing in the priority regions, and especially those at risk of or suffering from mental health conditions and their families, as well as war affected persons, children, internally displaced persons, low mobility groups, aging and disabled persons.

Indirect beneficiaries; Psychiatrists, psychologists, family doctors, nurses, social workers, teachers and school psychologists at national, regional and local levels.

Geographic coverage: L’viv, Chernivtsi, Rivne, Kyiv, Dnipro, Vinnytsya regions as priority regions, and the frontline areas of Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia regions.
Medium-term outcomes

Outcome 1: Recovery and inclusion of peopIe with mental health challenges are improved by better quality, accessibility, and integration of existing mental health services.

Outcome 2: Access to new community-based mental health service models is enhanced by piloting mental health centres and supported living services.

Outcome 3: Provision of war-specific mentaI health and psychosocial support is improved.
Results

Expected results:  

Output 1.1: The policy environment is improved to allow for integration of mental health care, improved financing and service practice on all levels.

Output 2.3: Mental health centres are created for more accessible services in communities.

Output 3.2: Families of military personnel are supported with their war-specific challenges.

Output 3.3: First responders who served at the contact line and at the target regions receive support to prevent trauma or secondary trauma.


Results from previous phases:  

  • Contribution to development of draft law on mental health.
  • Approval of community-based mental health service packages by the NHSU. Approval of occupational standards for school psychologists by Ministry of Education.
  • Development of pathways for common mental health disorders and treatment guidelines.
  • Successful establishment of mental health centre and supported living models.
  • Establishment of eight intersectoral coordination mechanism at local level.
  • Strengthened capacities of mental health specialists (intensive training for 5’732 professionals).
  • Demonstrated reduction in stigma towards individuals with mental health problems. 54 million viewers reached with targeted messages.
  • Successful integration of emergency response following large-scale aggression against Ukraine.
Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Credit area Swiss cooperation with Eastern Europe
Project partners Contract partner
Private sector
  • Foreign private sector North
  • GFA Consulting Group GmbH (as part of a consortium with Implemental Worldwide C.I.C., University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, and the Institute of Mental Health of the Ukrainian Catholic University)


Coordination with other projects and actors The project aligns with the national mental health agenda (Ministry of Health, Ministry of Social Policy, Ministry of Education, National Health Service of Ukraine). Close coordination with other stakeholders. SDC health and humanitarian interventions in UA ensured.
Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    12’050’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    1’500’000 Budget inclusive project partner CHF    12’050’000 Total project since first phase Swiss budget CHF   8’075’000 Budget inclusive project partner CHF   24’125’000
Project phases Phase 2 01.03.2024 - 29.02.2028   (Current phase) Phase 1 01.04.2018 - 29.02.2024   (Completed)
  • Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation HEALTH
    Sub-Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation
    Promotion of mental health and well-being 
    Aid Type Mandate with fiduciary funds
    Mandate without fiduciary fund
    Project number

    7F09385

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Last update 23.02.2024