UNDP - United Nations Development Programme

Published purpose

This project aims to improve the stability, resilience, and well-being of conflict- and COVID-19-affected people in the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts by ensuring they can access essential public services even when the pandemic and ongoing hostilities limit their mobility and safety. The project responds to the compounded impacts of conflict and COVID-19, which have further restricted access to administrative, legal, psychosocial, medical, and home-care services for vulnerable populations. Project activities include: (1) launching and equipping mobile service delivery units—including mobile administrative service centres, mobile medical stations, psychosocial response vehicles, and home-care units—to meet urgent needs such as COVID-19–related medical testing, psychosocial support, and home care for isolated elderly persons. (2) developing and deploying digital tools such as an intuitive information platform and SMS/GPS-based systems that allow residents to locate services, receive updates, and access information safely during quarantine restrictions; and (3) training mobile-unit staff, local authorities, medical workers, and volunteers on COVID-19 prevention, human rights, gender-responsive service delivery, and safe operational procedures to ensure quality, reliable, and secure service provision. The project benefits people living in government-controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk, particularly those residing near the contact line or in remote rural settlements where access to services is most limited. It prioritizes women, older persons, persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons, and other vulnerable or marginalized groups who face the greatest barriers to accessing services during both the conflict and the COVID-19 pandemic.