Could you tell us about your professional background and your current role at the Public Health Centre of Ukraine?
I graduated as an infectious diseases doctor, and over the years I’ve worked in both regional and local hospitals across Ukraine. I also have experience in teaching in Ukraine in epidemiology and infectious diseases, and I also gained experience abroad. Today, at the Public Health Centre of Ukraine, I oversee national-level coordination of antimicrobial resistance and infection prevention and control. This role involves ensuring that Ukraine’s policies, systems, and capacities evolve in line with modern standards and international best practices.
What is your perspective on the SURE-AMR project initiative?
The SURE-AMR project addresses issues that are essential for Ukraine. Its objectives are closely aligned with our national AMR strategy, which outlines priorities until 2030. It is encouraging to see a project that not only recognises our needs but also supports the practical implementation of our national action plan. For us, this initiative is well-timed and highly relevant, because it supports our country in areas where capacity building and system strengthening are urgently needed.
From your point of view, what are the main challenges in tackling AMR in Ukraine today?
Addressing AMR in Ukraine is complex because several challenges overlap. One major issue is insufficient laboratory capacity. Many hospitals still lack reliable microbiology services, and not all laboratories meet the standards of ISO 15189 accreditation, which ensures quality and comparability.
Another challenge is the shortage of qualified specialists. Due to the ongoing war, Ukraine has lost many trained professionals, and the number of specialists currently available simply does not match the needs of the system. This shortage affects both clinical and laboratory capacities, making it harder to respond effectively to AMR.
How does collaboration between institutions strengthen AMR response in Ukraine?
Collaboration is fundamental. The Public Health Centre works to coordinate the efforts of all partners active in the country, ensuring that activities complement rather than duplicate each other. Support from international organisations, such as WHO, ECDC, and others, helps us adopt best practices, refresh outdated legislation, and align our policies with European Union standards.
This cooperation also helps to identify gaps early and avoid delays or inconsistencies in the implementation of AMR and IPC measures. In a context as challenging as Ukraine’s, coordinated action is essential to building a coherent and resilient system.
How do you envision Ukraine’s progress on addressing AMR in the next 7–10 years?
Despite the challenges, Ukraine has already made remarkable progress in a short period of time. Official IPC measures were introduced in 2021, key legislation has been updated, and IPC departments have been established across all facilities. Regional Centres of Disease Control have also strengthened their IPC structures. Looking ahead, I expect that within 7–10 years the national AMR strategy will be fully implemented, laboratories of the Royal Centre for Disease Control (RCDC) will operate at full capacity, and all hospital laboratories will be ISO 15189–accredited, ensuring high-quality microbiology services nationwide.
