Medical aid to Ukrainian soldiers

In response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the Seatrans Group has stepped up to support Ukrainian soldiers with essential medical aid. Through a partnership with the Norwegian humanitarian organisation HMM Helsehjelp, Seatrans has funded projects that deliver hands-on assistance directly to soldiers facing tough conditions. This collaboration has become a lifeline, providing vital healthcare to those on the front lines when it’s needed most.

About HMM Helsehjelp

HMM Helsehjelp was created by a dedicated group of Norwegian professionals, including healthcare workers, local business owners, and other community leaders in Bergen, to address the medical needs in Ukraine following the 2022 invasion. Along with Ukrainian doctor Anna Tribis, the organisation works closely with Ukraine to deliver crucial medical supplies, mobile clinics, and emergency vehicles. Their grassroot approach ensures that all donations go directly to frontline support, providing immediate help to both soldiers and civilians.

In 2023, HMM Helsehjelp visited Ukraine to find out what Ukrainian soldiers needed most and discovered that poor dental health was a major problem. Life on the front line is tough on teeth: soldiers under extreme stress tend to grind their teeth and consume lots of energy drinks, which worsens dental health. These dental problems can lead to infections, which are particularly dangerous for wounded soldiers, as infections can prevent injuries from healing properly.

Seatrans’ latest support

To help address the dental health issue, Seatrans Group has recently funded a new mobile dental clinic, which will launch in Ukraine by late 2024. This is the fifth mobile clinic set up by HMM Helsehjelp, designed to be mobile, locally built, and easy to maintain. By having these clinics constructed in Ukraine, Seatrans supports the local workforce and ensures any repairs can be handled quickly on-site.

Johan Hvide, ship-owner and Managing Director of Seatrans, recently travelled to Ukraine to see the situation firsthand. He spoke with Ukrainian dentists working in these mobile clinics, gaining a clear understanding of how these clinics help soldiers on the ground. “It’s essential that we share why this humanitarian work matters,” Hvide explained. “There’s so much misinformation out there; this work is about real, life-saving aid.”

Beyond dental care

This new dental clinic is only the latest in Seatrans’ ongoing aid to Ukraine. Seatrans has previously funded a backup power generator, mobile surgical units and pickup trucks used to transport wounded soldiers from the front lines to the safety of medical facilities. These mobile surgical theatres allow medics to perform operations close to the battlefield. Due to increased drone attacks, these units have since been moved further from the front lines for safety but remain important in delivering urgent care.

Seatrans is proud to be part of a strong local community of generous donors supporting vital medical and humanitarian work – helping Ukraine’s ability to provide crucial medical and life-saving care to those impacted by this terrible conflict.

A partnership with purpose

Seatrans has supported HMM Helsehjelp’s mission from the beginning, believing in the power of focused, direct aid. This latest clinic, combined with previous projects, showcases Seatrans’ ongoing dedication to helping Ukraine in a way that makes an immediate impact.

For those interested in learning more about HMM Helsehjelp’s important work or seeing how you can make a direct difference yourself, you can read more on HMM Helsehjelp’s website.