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Ukraine is located in eastern Europe, the second largest on the continent after Russia (“Ukraine - Languages,” 2019).  Unfortunately, Ukraine has been the target of conflict with Russia launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24/02/2022 (Ray, 2023). Nearly 7 million people have fled Ukraine, this includes more than 11,400 Ukrainians who have arrived in Australia since the beginning of the conflict (Refugee Council of Australia, 2025).

Refugees coming to Australia from Ukraine very commonly present with risk factors for Hepatitis C (HCV) due to Ukraine having a seroprevalence for HCV of 4%, (Hepatitis C» Australian Refugee Health, n.d.) It is important to test those with refugee-like background, such as those coming from Ukraine, for HCV as if undiagnosed and unmanaged, it can cause advanced liver disease and/or liver cancer (Hepatitis C» Australian Refugee Health, n.d.)

An evidence-based treatment option for Hepatitis C is 12 weeks of all-oral combination therapy, with a few adverse effects and a more than 90% chance of cure (Hepatitis C» Australian Refugee Health, n.d.) This treatment will improve the health of those infected.

References:

Hepatitis C» Australian Refugee Health. (n.d.). https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/hepatitis-c/

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Ray, M. (2023, March 12). Russia-Ukraine War. Britannica; Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/event/2022-Russian-invasion-of-Ukraine

Refugee Council of Australia. (2025, February 24). Learning from Australia’s Response to War in Ukraine. Refugee Council of Australia. https://www.refugeecouncil.org.au/learning-australias-response-ukraine/

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Ukraine - Languages. (2019). In Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/place/Ukraine/Languages

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Hospitals and Medical Clinics in Ukraine

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In Ukrainian culture the predominant religion is Eastern Orthodoxy, which is practiced by nearly half the population (Ukrainian - EthnoMed, 2023). Health beliefs in Ukraine are around mental health viewed by others as well as the use of traditional remedies.

Many Ukrainians may fear that a mental illness diagnosis will lead to them becoming ostracized, and that it would make them unfavourable candidates for potential employers (Weissbecker at al., 2018) (Ukrainian - EthnoMed, 2023).

Stigma is a major barrier for Ukrainians that may prevent them from seeking care for their mental health issues (Ukrainian - EthnoMed, 2023). It’s a health belief that mental health problems such as depression or PTSD, especially since the war in 2022, can be seen as a sign of weakness.

In this culture, the use of home-made traditional remedies to help cure illness is prominent. This is a strong belief but has also been reinforced recently as the cost and access to health services has become more difficult with violence and financial constraints in Ukraine.

References:

COMMUNICATION Languages and Dialects. (n.d.). https://sntc.medicine.ufl.edu/Content/Products/Downloads/0Ukraine%20CQRG.pdf

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Ukrainian - EthnoMed. (2023). EthnoMed. https://ethnomed.org/culture/ukrainian/#health-beliefs

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Troops in Ukraine, demonstrating the violence happening to date 

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The WHO social determinants of health are broadly defined as the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age (World Health Organisation, 2025). Social isolation and discrimination are growing public health concerns associated with poor physical and mental health. They are risk factors for increased morbidity and mortality and reduced quality of life (Brandt et al., 2022).

Unfortunately, there’s lots of conflict in Ukraine resulting in people fleeing to create a better life. Not being socially included in their country, and having to leave can make the transition harder, leading to mental health concerns.

Discrimination in Ukraine links to gender inequality with men and women earning different amounts leading to health impacts with the inability to afford proper care. People fleeing persecution are more likely to have experienced significant human rights violations, torture and trauma, which impacts their mental health and wellbeing (Sydney, 2024). Non-discrimination against refugees improves health outcomes with equal and fair treatment and opportunities to access healthcare.

References:

Brandt, L., Liu, S., Heim, C., & Heinz, A. (2022). The effects of social isolation stress and discrimination on mental health. Translational Psychiatry, 12(1), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-022-02178-4

Sydney. (2024, August 13). Refugees in Australia are miles behind in health and wellbeing. Uts.edu.au. https://www.uts.edu.au/news/2024/08/refugees-australia-are-miles-behind-health-and-wellbeing

World Health Organization. (2025). Social determinants of health. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health#tab=tab_1

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Competency Standard 1.2  (Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership, 2019)

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References:

Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership. (2019). Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice: Working with People from Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds COMPETENCY STANDARDS FRAMEWORK FOR CLINICIANS. https://culturaldiversityhealth.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Culturally-responsive-clinical-practice-Working-with-people-from-migrant-and-refugee-backgrounds-Jan2019.pdf

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