Health preparedness has received a lot of attention in recent years — and for good reason. The COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine have demonstrated how vulnerable our societies can be without a comprehensive and inclusive preparedness system. The Nordic countries generally have strong welfare systems, well-functioning healthcare services, and a high level of trust between authorities and population. There is also no shortage of preparedness strategies — but how well prepared are we in the Nordic region, really, in case of an unforeseen crisis?

And, is there anything we can learn from Ukraine when it comes to managing large-scale crises — especially in terms of protecting vulnerable groups in society, such as people living with HIV and other chronic diagnosis?

HivNorway, HivFinland, and the Ukrainian Alliance for Public Health invite you to a panel discussion "Health Preparedness in the Nordic Countries: How Prepared Are We?", where these questions will be discussed.

In the panel:

- Merja Rapeli (Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Finland)
- Andriy Klepikov (Executive director of Alliance for Public health, Ukraine)
- Anna Korobchuk (Head of mobile clinics, Alliance for Public Health, Ukraine)
- Sini Pasanen (Positiiviset ry/ HivFinland)
- Emanuel Karlstrøm (Hiv-Sweden)
- Berge Andreas Jenving-Steingsvåg (Moderator).

Please, see HivNorway´s website for the full program.

This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from a Ukrainian civil society organization that is taking huge risks to maintain essential healthcare services for those who need them most. You will also gain insight into how civil society organizations in three Nordic countries work closely with vulnerable groups in our communities.

The event is free of charge, held in English, and will also be live-streamed. Light refreshments and networking from 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM.

Welcome!

The event is part of the project "Intergrated health services in time of war. Experiences from Ukraine", supported by the Nordic Council of Ministers.