SEK 2.7 million to train Ukrainian rehabilitation staff

The number of people suffering from war injuries in Ukraine is high and this has increased the need for prosthetists and orthotists in the country. The School of Health and Welfare (HHJ) at Jönköping University (JU) has received SEK 2.7 million from the Swedish Institute (SI) to train staff in Ukraine in prosthetics and orthotics.

Today, there is no education in prosthetics and orthotics in Ukraine, and rehabilitation staff often rely on cooperation and knowledge from neighbouring countries. And right now, many of those working in rehabilitation do not have sufficient knowledge or experience to help the ever-helping Ukrainian population.

The Department of Rehabilitation (AFR) at the School of Health and Welfare in Jönköping has previously collaborated External link, opens in new window. with three Ukrainian universities, providing training materials, inspirational meetings and knowledge to showcase how HHJ works with education.

In the spring, the Swedish Institute launched a new project support programme, SI Ukraine Cooperation Programme, which offers Swedish actors and their partners in Ukraine grants totalling SEK 56 million, of which HHJ has been granted SEK 2.7 million. Nerrolyn Ramstrand is an orthopaedic engineer and professor at AFR and has been a leader in the co-operation with the Ukrainian universities. She believes that the grant from SI will enable further strengthened cooperation, but above all that it can lead to helping people in need.

“Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, there has been an unimaginable increase in the number of people now in need of prostheses, orthoses and wheelchairs. It's great to receive this grant and to know that we have the funding to support long-term co-operation,” says Nerrolyn.

Various training initiatives

The project aims to develop the educational and clinical skills of rehabilitation professionals in Ukraine so that the country can train and provide clinical staff to meet the growing need for prosthetics and orthotics caused by the invasion.

The project will consist of staff from both Sweden and Ukraine in the form of orthotists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists. Together, they have planned a range of training initiatives and will also develop course materials that can be used to train future professionals in both countries.

The Ukrainian participants will come to Sweden during the project, while some of the work will be take place online. In addition, the Swedish participants hope to be able to visit Ukraine, but this will depend on developments in the country.

“I hope that this project will contribute to improving the quality of life of Ukrainians with disabilities,” says Nerrolyn.

“But this is certainly not a one-sided project. Me and my Swedish colleagues will learn a lot from our Ukrainian colleagues who, for the most unfortunate reasons, are becoming world experts in managing patients with complex blast and war-related injuries,” she concludes.