Finland sends one thousand maternity packages to Ukraine

Russia has destroyed people's homes and healthcare infrastructure in Ukraine. There is a great need for assistance in Ukraine. Since March 2022, Finland has provided Ukraine with necessary civilian material assistance. Most recently, Finland has sent, for example, one thousand maternity packages to Ukraine in February and March 2023. 

Ukraine has a constant need for diverse civilian material assistance. Millions of people have been forced to leave their homes and healthcare infrastructure has been damaged in many regions as a result of Russia's invasion.

The situation in different parts of Ukraine is very challenging for civilians. Children are born and are growing up in difficult conditions in Ukraine. To support children and families, Finland has sent a total of one thousand maternity packages to Ukraine during the beginning of the year. The maternity package is a comprehensive package of baby clothes and care products. It supports the family's coping with everyday life throughout infancy.

The Ministry of the Interior has purchased the packages from the Social Insurance Institution (Kela) and has been responsible for delivering them to Ukraine in several consignments through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. School buses and furniture as well as sports equipment have also been sent from Finland to help families, children and young people. 

“Children are being born in Ukraine in very difficult conditions in the middle of a war. Almost everything is in short supply. Russia is trying to destroy the future of Ukraine's new generations. By sending maternity packages, we want to support newborn children and their families. The future of Ukraine lies in its children,” says Minister of the Interior Krista Mikkonen.

The functioning of healthcare services and social security as well as infrastructure also play an important role in the reconstruction of Ukraine.

“People in Finland are eager to help Ukrainians. Supporting the healthcare and social welfare sector is important, as it has both direct and far-reaching impacts. At best, early support for families can have long-lasting effects on the lives of children and parents. I would like to thank Kela and the Ministry of the Interior for organising maternity packages for Ukrainian children and families,” says Minister of Social Affairs and Health Hanna Sarkkinen.

Ukraine will need assistance for a long time

Since the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Finland has delivered a great deal of civilian material assistance to Ukraine. This assistance has consisted mainly of donations from the private and public sectors. The Ministry of the Interior is coordinating the provision of assistance to Ukraine through the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism. 

Finland has previously sent, for example, emergency shelters, medicines, healthcare supplies, rescue service equipment, armoured accommodation containers for the use of rescue personnel, buses and energy equipment to Ukraine. Civilian material assistance is delivered to those in need of assistance in cooperation with the responsible authorities in Ukraine. 

The current aid operation in Ukraine is exceptional, and the need for assistance is expected to continue for a long time. The Ministry of the Interior is continuously putting together new civilian material assistance packages.

Inquiries:
Mikko Jalo, Special Adviser to the Minister of the Interior, tel. +358 50 304 8522, firstname.lastname@gov.fi
Pauliina Eskola, Director of International Affairs, Ministry of the Interior, tel. + 358 295 488 263
Liisa Siika-aho, Director General, Department for Insurance and Social Security, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, +358 295 163 085