The International Rescue Committee conducted a multisectoral needs assessment across seven most affected oblasts in eastern and southern Ukraine from August 29 to October 7, 2025, in collaboration with local partner organizations Fortitude, Shchedryk, Star Ukraine, and the Ukrainian Education Platform who facilitated data collection across their areas of operation. 

The assessment surveyed 1,324 households and conducted 57 focus group discussions (FGDs) and 64 key informant interviews (KIIs) to understand humanitarian needs entering the fourth winter of full-scale war. 

Health emerged as the overwhelming first priority across all data sources (household survey 71%, FGDs 67%, KIIs 56%), with 80% of respondents highlighting chronic disease being the most prominent health issue in community and mental health conditions affecting 34%. Critical gaps include absence of specialized doctors, lack of diagnostic services, severely limited pediatric and maternal health care, and insufficient mental health support. Over half of households (53%) cannot afford prescribed medications

Available documents & links