More than 1 month since Russia began its illegal invasion of Ukraine the tragic human suffering and loss of life are clear. Each day brings more death, injuries, and stories of people fighting for their lives. The implications of the war extend beyond the military and civilian casualties. There are geopolitical, financial, infrastructural, and health impacts. And the effects of this war, particularly on health and health care within and outside Ukraine, will continue long after violent conflict ends.

The war has brought immense pressures and demands for the Ukrainian health sector. There have been 3039 civilian casualties recorded, including 104 children and 1075 adults killed as of March 28, 2022.The risk of infectious disease outbreaks, particularly COVID-19, cholera, polio, tuberculosis, and diarrhoeal diseases, is rising as people are forced to shelter in overcrowded spaces with inadequate or no access to water and sanitation facilities.The UN High Commissioner for Refugees stated the war has forced 10 million Ukrainians to flee their homes,of whom about 6·4 millionare displaced internally and in desperate need of urgent aid, treatment for recent injuries and illness, and continued care for chronic conditions. Food shortages are arising because of damage to agricultural infrastructure and disruptions in food supply chains.The risks of mental health and psychosocial deterioration are growing as people face traumatic events and stress from acute conflict.Attacks on and around maternity hospitals mean many women do not have access to the obstetric care they need, increasing the risks of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality.It is estimated that more than 2 million children younger than 5 years and pregnant and breastfeeding women in Ukraine are in need of nutrition assistance.There could also be health risks related to potential Russian use of nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons against Ukrainian civilians.