(Short version)

The ex-combatants of the Anti-Terrorist Operation/Joint Forces Operations (hereinafter, ATO/JFO) are active consumers of medical services: after returning from military service, they may need access to medical and psychological rehabilitation, as well as other types of assistance1. International studies emphasize that this social group is at high risk of co-morbidity (simultaneous damage of two organs or body systems, or the presence of multiple diseases), mental disorders of varying severity, and committing suicides. In order to provide ex-combatants with the quality services they need, the state must have a comprehensive policy on supporting their health.

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This study was conducted by the Ukrainian Healthcare Centre from September-October 2021 with the support of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), within the framework of the UN Recovery and Peacebuilding Programme, funded by the European Union (EU) and the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and with expert input from the Ministry for Veterans Affairs of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Foundation for Public Health.