Mission & Vision
Mehad (Medical Healthcare Action for Development) is a French nonprofit organization dedicated to health and international solidarity. It works in conflict zones where access to healthcare is severely compromised.
At the core of Mehad’s mission is the co-creation of sustainable healthcare systems in collaboration with local health actors. This approach allows Mehad to operate in areas where many organizations cannot, enabling the reconstruction of resilient, long-term healthcare infrastructures.
Founded in 2011 by a group of physicians determined to deliver medical care to populations affected by the Syrian civil war, Mehad expanded its operations to Ukraine in 2022. By 2024, the organization also began working in Lebanon and Yemen, always partnering closely with local healthcare professionals.
Each year, Mehad delivers 1.5 million medical interventions to more than 933,000 individuals, thanks to a dedicated network of nearly 500 on-the-ground professionals.
Actions Led
With over 12 years of experience in providing life-saving medical care in war-torn Syria, Mehad was swift to respond as Ukraine faced its own devastating conflict. In 2022, when the war broke out, Mehad rushed to offer its expertise to those in need.
The organization launched critical training programs for local healthcare workers in the most urgent areas: war medicine, advanced first aid, emergency obstetrics, and defense against chemical weapons. These programs aim to improve emergency response capabilities across Ukraine, empowering healthcare professionals to save lives in the most challenging conditions imaginable.
Mehad also created rehabilitation programs for war victims. These programs provide not only physical recovery but also psychosocial support, helping victims of violence rebuild their lives, regain their dignity, and heal from the trauma they’ve endured. For many, it’s the first step toward a future beyond the war.
Mehad’s work in Ukraine is more than medical care—it’s about restoring hope, dignity, and a sense of possibility for those whose lives have been torn apart.
Impact:
- 20,182 rehabilitation sessions conducted across two centers in 2024.
- 210 to 530 healthcare professionals trained each month.
- 12 specialized training courses offered, including first aid, war medicine, and emergency obstetrics.
Projects that US Donors Can Support
2. Rehabilitation Centers for War Victims
Mehad operates two rehabilitation centers in Kyiv and Vinnytsia, providing holistic care for war victims, many of whom have suffered amputations or severe injuries. These centers offer physical recovery services, psychological counseling, and social reintegration support.
The facilities, which can treat up to 73 patients daily, focus on key goals:
- Enhancing physical recovery.
- Improving quality of life.
- Providing psychological care to address trauma.
- Strengthening self-esteem and supporting social reintegration.
With the Ukrainian healthcare system facing immense long-term challenges, Mehad’s expertise ensures patients receive the care needed for comprehensive recovery.
This rehabilitation project represents a critical step toward rebuilding the physical and emotional lives of those affected by the conflict.
Learn more about the program here: Video link