On February 28th 2025, the war in Ukraine reached its third year. The ongoing conflict continues to disrupt lives, also those of children affected by cancer.

At the dawn of the war in 2022, CCI Europe joined forces together with St.Jude Global, Tabletochki Charity Foundation, and SIOPE among others, to create the Supporting Action for Emergency Response in Ukraine (SAFER Ukraine) initiative.

SAFER Ukraine is a collaborative effort coordinated by St. Jude Global and supported by numerous international partners1, which established a humanitarian corridor, ensuring children receive the needed critical medical care in treatment centres outside Ukraine. To date, thanks to the collaborative efforts of all partners, SAFER Ukraine has facilitated the evacuation and treatment of over 1.700 childhood cancer patients and their families.

“The childhood cancer community in Ukraine was already facing many challenges before the war. The war only made them even more unimaginable for children with cancer and their families. The destruction of healthcare infrastructure and the displacement of families put countless lives at risk. Through SAFER Ukraine, we have worked to ensure that no child is left without the care they need.”

said Anita Kienesberger, CCI Europe Chair. While Inna Alanbousi, Patient Liaison underscored:

“Supporting Action for Emergency Responses in Ukraine (SAFER Ukraine) embodies courage, partnership and resilience. Built on a foundation of patient-centered values, it unites a diverse range of partners – including clinicians, charitable foundations, governments, policymakers, and volunteers. Through multidisciplinary expertise and a strong network, SAFER Ukraine facilitates capacity-building initiatives to support care for children with cancer in Ukraine as well as patient referrals when treatment abroad is required. Whether through clinical consultations, training, collaborative research, or patient referral, SAFER Ukraine adapts to the needs of those it serves. This versatility demonstrates that even in the most challenging times, collective action, solidarity and shared expertise can build a resilient support system for both patients and healthcare providers”

Apart from providing critical support in logistics, funding, and psychosocial support, the initiative has highlighted the power of international collaboration. Looking ahead, CCI Europe remains committed to advocating for and supporting children with cancer, ensuring they continue to receive life-saving treatment, no matter the circumstances.

The war in Ukraine has not yet ended, and therefore neither has the work of SAFER Ukraine. As collaborators, CCI Europe is still working continuously to support the evacuation of childhood cancer patients that need specialized care, to facilitate the repatriation to Ukraine of deceased patients and to reunite families. These efforts were possible thanks to the ongoing support from global partners, donors, and advocates. Their dedication has been essential to the success of the SAFER Ukraine initiative ever since February 28th 2022, and, as the war continues, it will remain just as essential for the future!