A new social initiative in Ukraine seeks to provide essential psychosocial support to vulnerable families and children affected by the ongoing war. With limited access to mental health resources, the project aims to address the emotional and developmental challenges faced by children in conflict zones.
According to UNICEF, since the onset of the full-scale invasion, one in five children in Ukraine has lost a close relative or friend. Such losses can lead to traumatic experiences that significantly impact children’s emotional well-being, development, behavior, and learning abilities.
Research from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) indicates that many families are under prolonged stress, with over 60% reporting emotional difficulties among their children. These issues complicate daily life and hinder educational progress.
Access to psychological and speech therapy services remains scarce, particularly in frontline regions like Kherson and Mykolaiv. More than 20% of families with children in these areas lack regular access to psychosocial support, despite the evident need.
The psychological effects of war on children often manifest gradually. Experts observe difficulties in adaptation, concentration, speech development, heightened anxiety, and social withdrawal over time. Children from internally displaced families, those who have lost their homes or stable income, and those living in areas under constant shelling are particularly vulnerable.
Chronic stress experienced by parents directly affects children’s emotional states, increasing the risk of long-term psychological consequences. This has led to discussions about the “invisible wounds” of war—psychological scars that do not have physical manifestations but require attention and care.
The Bepanthen® team recognizes that health encompasses both physical and emotional well-being, especially for children and families in crisis. This understanding has been a driving force behind their initiative, “Healing Invisible Wounds.”
Oksana Konstantinova, Marketing Operations Manager at Bayer and senior brand manager for Bepanthen®, stated, “As we delved deeper into the topic, it became clear that many challenges faced by children during the war are not immediately visible. It’s not just about their physical state, but also their emotions, behavior, and ability to feel safe.”
“Healing Invisible Wounds” is being implemented in partnership with the international charity organization SOS Children’s Villages. The initiative focuses on providing psychosocial and speech therapy support to vulnerable children and families in Poltava, Kherson, and Mykolaiv.
From February 1 to April 30, 2% of sales from Bepanthen® ointment and cream will contribute to programs involving psychologists, speech therapists, and social workers.
Sergiy Lukashov, director of SOS Children’s Villages, emphasized the urgency of this initiative: “Today, tens of thousands of children in Ukraine live in prolonged stress and uncertainty. The war affects not only their safety but also their emotional state, development, and future opportunities—especially for children from vulnerable families, those with disabilities, and those who have lost parental care.”
Lukashov further noted that psychosocial support for children is not an optional addition but a necessary condition for healthy development. He stressed that collaboration with responsible businesses is crucial for providing sustained, systemic assistance and creating tangible changes for children growing up in wartime.
The project highlights these often-overlooked challenges and demonstrates that support can be integrated into everyday solutions. Children do not choose war, but the decisions made by adults—governments, communities, NGOs, businesses, and individuals—will determine whether they have a chance for recovery.
A new initiative in Ukraine aims to provide psychosocial support to children affected by the ongoing war, addressing the emotional challenges they face. The project, in partnership with SOS Children’s Villages, emphasizes the necessity of mental health resources for healthy development in crisis conditions.