As Parkinson's Europe, we are committed to helping people with Parkinson’s, their families and caregivers who are in need of assistance during the current military crisis as best as we can, by disseminating information and facilitating communication between relevant stakeholders.
If you need assistance, have any questions or would like to suggest any initiatives to be included in the information section below, please contact info@parkinsonseurope.org.
Parkinson's Europe statement
Parkinson's Europe regards with extreme concern and sadness the military and humanitarian crisis ongoing in Ukraine.
We express our deep concern for the situation of people affected by Parkinson’s and other people living with chronic conditions in the areas hit by the war – and we are keenly aware of the extreme difficulties this is causing to the effective and timely delivery of treatment, care and medical assistance.
Our thoughts are especially with the Parkinson’s patient organisations in Ukraine and neighbouring countries, who are supporting people affected by Parkinson’s during these unprecedented times.
As a non-political organisation whose mission and values focus on collaboration and cooperation at European and global level, we firmly condemn the use of violence in any form. We call for the conflict to be de-escalated, for meaningful dialogue among all parties to continue, and for the urgent protection of civilians endangered by this unprecedented military aggression.
We wish and hope for a peaceful resolution as soon as possible, and commit to helping people with Parkinson’s, their families and caregivers in need of assistance as best we can by disseminating information and facilitating communication between relevant stakeholders.
Russell Patten
Parkinson's Europe Director General
Donations
There are several emergency appeals set up for those that want to donate. As a healthcare-focused organisation, we recommend the one below, set up by the World Health Organisation (WHO):
Red Cross appeal
On 8 March 2022, Parkinson's Europe sent the following letter to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC):
Due to the current conflict in Ukraine, there are grave concerns in our community that people with Parkinson's in Ukraine may not be able to access medications that enable them to function everyday. It is of major importance that people with Parkinson's take their medication daily at regular intervals otherwise they will struggle to move, walk, talk and eat.
Can we, Parkinson's Europe (Parkinson's Europe), please ask that the ICRC tries to help with the provision of Parkinson's medication not only at the Ukraine borders between Poland, Hungary, Moldova, Romania and Slovakia but also in Ukraine itself. We are writing directly to our contacts in the treatment industry who manufacture Parkinson's medications to see if they too can help with the delivery of necessary supplies.
Thank you for all that you are doing for the Ukraine population. If you need any more information, support or insights concerning Parkinson's, please do contact us, we're here to help.
The ICRC acknowledged our request, although they highlighted the need to prioritise emergency assistance on the ground.
Partners appeal
On 11 March 2022, Parkinson's Europe contacted all our treatment industry partners to pledge for a steady supply and delivery of Parkinson's medications to people affected by the conflict.
We are commend the ongoing efforts taken by the treatment industry to support patients in response to the crisis in Ukraine – please see the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) website for more details.
Other information
Communication from other European organisations
- European Federation of Neurological Associations (EFNA) – EFNA statement in support of Ukraine
- Pharmaceutical Group of the European Union (PGEU) – Press Release - European community pharmacists for Ukraine
- UK Charity Commission – Ukraine humanitarian crisis: guidance for charities and trustees
Information resources on access to medication
- IQVIA – Ukrainian Medicine Conversion To European Equivalent Rx Product
- Delivering medical supplies both into Ukraine and to the millions of people fleeing the country poses a challenge because of the different types of drugs and brands prescribed in Ukraine. In response to the crisis IQVIA, in co-operation with Proxima of Ukraine, has developed a website to help convert the name of medicines typically prescribed in Ukraine to equivalents in other countries of Europe. It is hoped that this site can be of use to help doctors, pharmacists, clinics and charities as well as governments and other healthcare institutions in providing medication solutions for patients. Access the website here.
