On July 1, 2025, an official meeting took place in Kyiv between Ukraine’s Minister of Health Viktor Liashko and Norway’s Minister of Health and Care Services Jan Christian Vestre.
During the visit, the parties signed a Memorandum of Partnership in the healthcare sector, which formalizes cooperation under the Security Cooperation Agreement and long-term support between Ukraine and the Kingdom of Norway.
“The agreement signed today is a logical continuation of the security agreement signed last year by the President of Ukraine and the Prime Minister of Norway, and an important step toward strengthening our healthcare system. During this full-scale war, we must ensure not only resilience but also development — so that Ukrainians receive quality care under any circumstances. The partnership with Norway is about professional collaboration, shared values, and prioritizing the protection of life and health. We are grateful for the solidarity and concrete actions that help make Ukrainian medicine stronger, more modern, and more resilient to challenges,” said Ukraine’s Minister of Health Viktor Liashko.
The document outlines joint work on public health development, modernization and resilience of medical systems, training healthcare workers, and exchanging knowledge and experience, particularly in mental health, rehabilitation, and combating antimicrobial resistance.
It also covers developing horizontal partnerships between medical institutions, digitalization, strengthening cybersecurity, medical evacuation, and improving preparedness for emergencies, including those involving chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear risks.
The agreement includes participation of Ukrainian and Norwegian experts in conferences, joint events, and professional exchanges.
Norway’s Minister of Health and Care Services Jan Christian Vestre emphasized Norway’s readiness to support the Ukrainian healthcare system and promote its development according to European standards.
Representatives of the World Health Organization and the World Bank also joined the meeting.
On the second day of the visit, the Norwegian delegation toured several medical facilities in Kyiv. At the National Specialized Children’s Hospital “Okhmatdyt,” the Norwegian minister expressed deep respect for Ukrainian medical workers who continue to provide high-quality care despite the consequences of missile attacks. He also praised the resilience of Ukraine’s healthcare system and the active restoration of the hospital.
During the visit to the Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, the minister met with doctors and patients undergoing treatment for severe wounds sustained in combat.
Additionally, the delegation visited residential areas of the capital damaged by missile strikes and honored the memory of fallen defenders at Mykhailivska Square.
The visit and signing of the memorandum mark an important step toward expanding international support for Ukraine’s healthcare system and developing strategic partnership with Norway.
