Launching WHO’s primary health-care mobile app in Ukrainian

The WHO Country Office in Ukraine has introduced the first official translation of WHO/Europe's primary health-care (PHC) app for children and adolescents, making Ukraine the first country to localize this digital tool. The app's launch took place during a national conference for PHC doctors and pediatricians in Ukraine.

This app is tailored to health professionals working with children and young people in primary health-care settings. It provides digitalized guidelines based on WHO's "Pocket book of primary health care for children and adolescents". The aim is to enhance the quality of care for children and adolescents in Ukraine and across the WHO European Region.

"Children and adolescents are the future of Ukraine, and the challenges they face today - such as disruption of essential medical services, rising mental health risks and economic uncertainty - demand urgent and focused action. As the first country which has translated this app, Ukraine sets a powerful example in prioritizing high-quality care for young people. By equipping health professionals with accessible, evidence-based tools, we are making an important step toward ensuring that every child and adolescent receives care and support they need during these challenging times," said Dr Jarno Habicht, WHO Representative in Ukraine.

This app is a user-friendly digital tool for PHC providers, empowering primary health-care providers to deliver safe and high-quality care for children and adolescents, which can be used offline after installation.

"Having the pocket book on your smartphone is incredibly convenient, as it provides quick access to valuable information, even in resource-limited settings, while traveling or during home visits with patients. I highly recommend installing it for students and interns, especially those looking to improve their English skills and expand their knowledge," said Iryna Voloshyna, a family doctor and board member of the Academy of Family Medicine of Ukraine.

The app includes key materials and tools to:

• improve the early detection of children at risk of developmental difficulties;
• reduce the prescription of unnecessary antibiotics (combatting antimicrobial resistance);
• reduce medication errors;
• improve the management of children and adolescents with chronic diseases (e.g., asthma) and reduce preventable hospitalization and early death; and
• promote healthy habits (e.g., diets, physical activity) and mental health.

"This app is an indispensable assistant for family doctors. It provides instant access to important information that helps deliver essential care to children and adolescents, even in the most challenging situations. I sincerely recommend it to my colleagues, as it not only makes our work easier but also offers the opportunity to gain new knowledge," said Iryna Cherepakha, a family doctor from Kyiv.

Designed for doctors, nurses and other health professionals in primary care settings, it is available for free download on both Apple and Google Play stores.

The Ukrainian version has been developed with the support of the WHO Office on Quality of Care and Patient Safety in Athens, and with the financial support from the Government of Canada and within the Universal Health Coverage Partnership.

Download the app now via the links below: