Germany promises Ukraine more healthcare assistance

Viktor Liashko (L), Minister of Health of Ukraine, and Karl Lauterbach, Germany's Minister of Health, sign a joint declaration on closer cooperation in the health and care sector at the end of a press conference held in the Federal Ministry of Health on the occasion of the German-Ukrainian Health Conference on German support and cooperation in the health sector. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa
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Germany has assured Ukraine of further assistance and cooperation in the healthcare sector as the two-year anniversary of Russia's invasion nears.

German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach told a conference in Berlin on Friday that support would continue for as long as necessary.

Children's mental health was a key focus, including after the war, he said.

German Development Minister Svenja Schulze said people in Ukraine had been living with the fear of missile or drone attacks and worries about family or friends on the front line for too long.

"All of this leaves its mark, physically and mentally," she said.

The First Ladies of Ukraine and Germany took part in the conference.

Olena Zelenska said the stress of the war had caused more cases of diabetes while Elke Büdenbender, wife of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, said helping children is an investment in Ukraine's future.

(L-R) Viktor Lyashko, Minister of Health of Ukraine, Elke Buedenbender, wife of President Steinmeier, Olena Zelenska, First Lady of Ukraine, Karl Lauterbach, Germany's Minister of Health and Svenja Schulze, Germany's Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, stand together for a group photo before a discussion on a closer partnership between Germany and Ukraine at the Federal Ministry of Health. Tobias Schwarz/afp Pool/dpa
Karl Lauterbach, Germany's Minister of Health, speaks during a press conference at the Federal Ministry of Health on the occasion of the German-Ukrainian Health Conference on German support and cooperation in the health sector. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa
Karl Lauterbach, Germany's Minister of Health, speaks during a press conference at the Federal Ministry of Health on the occasion of the German-Ukrainian Health Conference on German support and cooperation in the health sector. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa