Four years of conflict have become a severe test not only for the economy and infrastructure but also for the nation's most fragile resource — human health. Prolonged war exerts a systematic destructive impact on the body, affecting both physical and mental states. These spheres are closely intertwined, and chronic stress becomes a catalyst for serious pathologies.

Expert opinion on this issue was voiced by Dr. Yarno Habicht, a representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Ukraine. In an interview with RBC-Ukraine, he emphasized that living in conditions of constant danger, uncertainty, and sleep disruption accelerates aging processes and provokes the development of chronic diseases.

Statistics on Deteriorating Well-being

Studies conducted under the auspices of the WHO demonstrate an alarming trend. According to Dr. Habicht, two out of three Ukrainians surveyed report that their health has deteriorated compared to the pre-war period.

Detailed survey data shows the following figures:

  • Almost 70% of adults note a deterioration in health compared to the period before the start of the full-scale invasion.
  • By the end of 2025, half of the adult population admitted that their well-being had worsened specifically during the previous year.

The stress accumulated over the last four years has ceased to be merely a psychological burden and has transformed into specific medical diagnoses.

Rise in Cardiovascular Catastrophes

The consequences of prolonged physical strain have already been reflected in official medical statistics. Doctors are recording a significant increase in acute conditions requiring emergency hospitalization:

  • The number of hospitalizations due to stroke has increased by 11%.
  • The number of heart attack cases has increased by 7%.

Dr. Habicht noted that accumulated stress has manifested in an increase in the prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases.

Vulnerability of Displaced Persons

Particular concern is raised by the situation regarding internally displaced persons (IDPs). Health problems among this category of citizens are recorded more frequently than among residents of local communities. This is explained by the fact that IDPs have experienced additional traumatic events: forced relocation, loss of home, and the need to adapt to new conditions while in a state of shock.

Data from the National Health Service of Ukraine confirms the scale of the problem. The number of somatic diseases directly related to stress has increased significantly. In particular, in neurology, the number of established diagnoses has increased more than threefold compared to 2022.