Mehad: Advancing Medical Care for Conflict Victims
Founded in 2011 by a group of physicians to address the urgent healthcare needs of populations affected by war in Syria, Mehad has since expanded its work to other conflict zones, including Ukraine, where it has been active for nearly three years.
Mehad’s mission is to build sustainable healthcare systems by involving communities to ensure lasting access to care. This approach not only addresses immediate emergencies but also strengthens resilience and self-sufficiency among affected populations over time.
Providing healthcare in conflict zones is a formidable challenge. To guide its work, Mehad adheres to core humanitarian principles: “Our commitment guarantees dignified and equitable access to care, without discrimination based on origin, gender, religion, or social status,” explains Coralie Douville, Communications Coordinator at Mehad. “We engage professionals and civil society in crisis response while maintaining independence and transparency.”
Mehad’s approach is fundamentally collaborative: with a network of almost 500 professionals on the ground, the organization provides not only emergency aid, but actively co-constructs strategies that address immediate needs and long-term solutions tailored to the needs of conflict-affected populations.
“For instance, in Ukraine, Mehad has developed a training program in close collaboration with local health authorities to address the most urgent needs, with international experts delivering the initial sessions. The goal is for local trainers to quickly gain autonomy and pass on their knowledge to healthcare providers in the field.” This model fosters local autonomy and long-term healthcare stability.
Each year, Mehad performs 1.5 million medical interventions, benefiting over 933,000 people.
Key Actions and Initiatives in Ukraine
Immediately following the invasion, Mehad worked to identify the urgent medical needs in Ukraine. “When Mehad established itself in Ukraine in 2022, the most urgent medical need identified was training local medical personnel in wartime medicine,” explains Coralie. “To address this, Mehad created specialized training centers to enhance the skills of Ukrainian healthcare workers in emergency medicine and war-related trauma care, including emergency ultrasound.”
Mehad’s training programs stand out for their innovative and adaptable approach. Every month, between 210 and 530 healthcare professionals undergo training through 12 specialized courses covering first aid, wartime medicine, and emergency obstetrics. By integrating techniques such as emergency ultrasound, Mehad enables Ukrainian caregivers to conduct rapid and accurate diagnostics, which are crucial in conflict situations. Mobile teams, in partnership with hospitals, adapt to security challenges.
This training also includes specialized pain management as well as chemical attack response training, teaching decontamination and treatment techniques for injuries caused by chemical agents.
Mehad has launched a new rehabilitation project to support veterans—an essential response to the region’s specific needs in times of conflict. Even in the midst of active conflict, Mehad focuses not only on emergency medicine and physical recovery, but psychological and societal recovery as well, creating hope for the future.
Support for Wounded Veterans
Mehad leads rehabilitation centers staffed with psychologists and social workers in Ukraine focused on a holistic approach to recovery, combining physical therapy with essential psychosocial support, particularly for war veterans. In 2024 alone, these centers provided 20,182 physical rehabilitation sessions to 496 injured patients, as well as 3,600 individual and 210 group mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) sessions for 512 patients, including many veterans.
“Specialized care addresses physical injuries while also providing psychological support to help veterans overcome the emotional and mental trauma caused by conflict. Social workers play a crucial role in reintegrating veterans by providing guidance and information on accessing prosthetics and assistive devices,” adds Coralie. “The centers also employ innovative techniques such as ‘mirror therapy’ to alleviate phantom limb pain and improve mobility for amputee patients.”
Social workers partnering with Mehad also work to restore community bonds, organizing group outings and collective activities to foster social connections and recovery. This comprehensive approach enhances the effectiveness of Mehad’s rehabilitation centers, helping veterans regain physical autonomy and reintegrate into society.
Stories of Impact
Mehad has made a profound difference in Ukraine, with many stories showcasing its positive effect on soldiers and citizens alike. One story that illustrates this impact is Oleksandr, a veteran injured in a missile strike. “Oleksandr arrived at Mehad’s rehabilitation center with severely reduced mobility in his arm,” recounts Coralie.
“Intensive physical therapy—including massage, electrical stimulation, and stretching exercises—helped him regain full use of his arm. Meanwhile, psychological support from Larysa [one of Mehad’s partners] helped him manage negative thoughts, and social assistance facilitated his reintegration into the community. This holistic approach enabled Oleksandr to rebuild his life after trauma.”
Another patient, Denys, 24, suffered severe war-related injuries, including multiple shrapnel wounds to his feet, his legs, and his left forearm, as well as damage to his right Achilles tendon. “These severe injuries left him unable to walk or perform daily tasks. When he arrived at our rehabilitation center, his quality of life was deeply affected by pain and immobility.”
Despite his severe injuries, Denys’s determination helped him to make significant progress to recovery with Mehad’s support. “Through an intensive rehabilitation program that included 12 sessions with our physiotherapists, Denys gradually regained mobility. His commitment, combined with personalized support from our team, led to remarkable progress. After a few weeks, he was able to move independently and perform everyday tasks again. His story is a powerful testament to human resilience and the vital role of rehabilitation in post-trauma recovery.”
International Collaboration & Support
As the war rages on, Mehad remains steadfast in its mission to ensure that people like Oleksander and Denys receive the specialized care they need to heal—both physically and mentally—and rebuild their lives after profound trauma. Every training course, rehabilitation session, every moment of psychological support is a step toward recovery.
To sustain this vital work, Mehad relies on international support. Through its partnership with Friends of Fondation de France, Mehad reaches American donors who can help expand its impact. “International support, particularly from American donors, is essential for sustaining and expanding Mehad’s healthcare programs in Ukraine,” explains Coralie. “This support is critical to maintaining continuity of care and building sustainable healthcare solutions in collaboration with local actors.”
Mehad plans to expand physiotherapy training for Ukrainian healthcare workers and strengthen mental health support for communities affected by conflict. Donations go a long way: “$100 helps purchase medical equipment for our training centers. With $250, you can train a medic in war medicine. With $500, you can contribute to the rehabilitation of a war-wounded patient,” details Coralie. Partnerships also facilitate access to critical medical resources and amplify advocacy efforts, ensuring that the international community remains engaged in addressing Ukraine’s urgent healthcare needs.
Friends of Fondation de France is proud to stand with Mehad in providing critical care and hope to those affected by war. American donors who wish to support Mehad can make tax-deductible donations through Friends of Fondation de France. The need is urgent, and every contribution makes a difference.
To support Mehad in their important work, please visit their page on our website.
