Collaboration in action: Two years after the war began, REACT continues support of local organisations in Ukraine.

As Ukraine marks the anniversary of two years of conflict, the resilience and strength of its people, bolstered by the support of organisations like REACT, stand as testaments to the human spirit's capacity to rebuild through adversity.

REACT deployed a recce team in March 2022, to seek out and identify the needs of the most vulnerable people affected by the conflict. Their route took them along the border through Romania, Moldova and Poland and into Ukraine, where they met the Ukrainian Education Partnership (UEP) for the first time. This was the beginning of a long and trusted partnership between the two organisations.

As Responders prepare to deploy to the region again on Monday, we take a look at how working in collaboration with local organisations including UEP, Myrne Nebo and the Ukrainian Medical Association of the UK (UMAUK), we have been able to help people living through the conflict.

In the spring of 2022, REACT's reconnaissance team embarked on a pivotal journey through Eastern Europe, culminating in a crucial partnership with the Ukrainian Education Partnership (UEP). This early collaboration laid the foundation for a comprehensive aid operation, extending support across the hardest-to-reach regions of Ukraine. Following closely, REACT's liaison team facilitated the first of many cross-border humanitarian aid deliveries, marking the beginning of a relentless campaign to mitigate the conflict's impact.

April of the same year saw the expansion of REACT's mission through supporting the Ukrainian Medical Association of the UK (UMAUK), channelling vital medical supplies into Ukraine. The logistical expertise of REACT ensured that over 26,000 kg of medical aid reached those in dire need, embodying the organisation's commitment to healthcare support amidst chaos.

As the conflict persisted, the demand for basic necessities surged. Addressing this, REACT distributed 14,000 food packs during the summer, a critical intervention that provided a lifeline to families on the frontline. This was followed by an ambitious operation in November 2022 to distribute 37,500 hot meals to people evacuating via Dnipro station in Eastern Ukraine, including at centres for mothers and children, the elderly and people with disabilities.

The organisation's impact further deepened in 2023, with an additional 41,650 hot meals distributed to those affected by ongoing hostilities and the catastrophic destruction of the Kakhova dam. This response addressed immediate needs and signified a deepening engagement with the affected communities.

Later in the year, REACT's strategic focus shifted towards capacity building, with incident management training delivered to over 100 volunteers from local organisations. This initiative aimed to enhance local response capabilities, empowering those on the ground with vital skills in trauma medicine.

December 2023 marked a significant milestone as UEP achieved official UN / OCHA partner status, a recognition that opens doors to further support and funding. This achievement underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in humanitarian crises and highlights REACT's role in facilitating such partnerships.

As 2024 dawned, REACT's collaboration with UMAUK continued with an additional 7,500 kg of medical supplies delivered, including critical equipment for newborns. This ongoing support reflects REACT's dedication to addressing the conflict's long-term healthcare challenges.

Looking ahead, REACT is preparing for further deployments to regions like Nikopol and Marhanets, focusing on incident management training for volunteers and organisations operating near the front lines. These preparations underscore REACT's commitment to enhancing the safety and resilience of communities directly affected by the war.

Through these concerted efforts, REACT has not only meeting immediate needs, but has also worked to build a foundation for sustainable support and resilience in Ukraine. The organisation's journey through these two tumultuous years showcases a multifaceted approach to humanitarian support, blending direct aid, capacity building, and strategic partnerships to help the vulnerable in hard to reach places.