Report
As Ukraine’s full-scale war slowly approaches its fourth anniversary , rural communities remain among the most underserved. Healthcare professionals working in these areas face significant challenges, including low salaries, inadequate housing, poor infrastructure, limited career development opportunities, and ongoing safety concerns. Digital connectivity gaps and logistical barriers further compound these difficulties, particularly in conflict-affected regions.
To better understand the perceptions, attitudes, and barriers shaping healthcare professionals’ willingness to work in rural settings, the IRC in Ukraine conducted an assessment titled “Choosing rural healthcare during the war: Understanding drivers and barriers shaping health workforce engagement in rural Ukraine.” Covering nine regions, this assessment provides critical insights into both the challenges and opportunities for strengthening rural health systems during this challenging period. The report also aims to inform targeted policies and donor-supported initiatives that can bolster health workforce engagement and improve outcomes for the millions of people living in rural Ukraine.
The findings depict a complex landscape. While many healthcare professionals acknowledge the importance and prestige of rural practice, persistent systemic barriers continue to deter participation. Yet the assessment also offers a pathway forward: competitive compensation, housing support, transportation assistance, and opportunities for professional growth were identified as key motivators that can significantly increase interest in rural placements.
To address the gaps, the report calls for a comprehensive approach, one that strengthens training and career pathways, expands telemedicine and mentoring networks, provides competitive incentives, and introduces innovative service delivery models such as mobile teams and community-based programs. It is equally important to improve the social infrastructure for families and repositioning rural healthcare as a prestigious, meaningful, and rewarding career choice.
