WHO Regional Office for Europe Behavioural and Cultural Insights Unit qualitative studies with refugees from Ukraine, May 2022-September 2023

Abstract The Russian invasion of Ukraine led to the movement of millions of people. As neighbouring countries opened their borders and made services available to those fleeing war, it became imperative to understand the refugee perspective. To gain insights into refugees’ health-service access, needs and behaviours, the WHO Regional Office for Europe Behavioural and Cultural Insights (BCI) Unit conducted qualitative interviews with Ukrainian refugees residing in Czechia, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia. Ukrainian researchers interviewed refugees online, recruiting participants through social media channels and outreach activities. The findings were discussed in high-level meetings, stakeholder workshops and webinars, and informed action by partners, governments and WHO. As examples, refugee clinics were initiated in Czechia, Poland and Romania. Cultural mediators were engaged in Romania to support health-care access at local level, and nongovernmental organizations were supported in providing tailored assistance. In Poland, the telephone hotline for Ukrainian health workers was expanded to include a line for general information, and Slovakia extended health coverage for all refugees under the age of 18.