A new state-of-the-art pediatric burn unit has opened in Lviv at the UNBROKEN National Rehabilitation Center, made possible by a partnership between the business sector and charitable donors. Telecom company Kyivstar played a key role, contributing ₴28.3 million out of a total ₴33 million raised through its initiative “Children’s Hope,” which supports lifesaving projects for children.
Approximately 12,000 children suffer burn injuries in Ukraine each year, a number that has only grown due to the war, where explosive trauma often leads to severe burns. Previously, the lack of specialized equipment forced parents to seek treatment abroad. Now, thanks to this new facility, Ukrainian children can receive world-class care at home.
Project milestones include:
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In spring 2023, Kyivstar and the dobro.ua platform launched a targeted burn care initiative under “Children’s Hope.”
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Over two years, the burn unit was fully upgraded with modern medical equipment:
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surgical video systems for pediatric operations,
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an advanced surgical table,
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a specialized pediatric burn bed,
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laser technology for scar treatment,
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anesthesia machine and monitoring systems.
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Oleh Samchuk, CEO of the First Medical Association of Lviv, shared the story of a young boy from Vinnytsia who suffered burns over 80% of his body due to a missile strike. At the time, the hospital lacked the necessary resources, and the child was sent abroad for treatment. That case underscored the urgent need to create a top-tier burn unit in Ukraine.
“We’ve renovated the facility and equipped it with the most advanced tools. Today, we’re saving the most critical cases to the highest global standards,” said Samchuk.
Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi emphasized the unit’s significance: “Every time I visit this hospital, I see real progress. Today, we open a healing space for children who’ve survived shelling and traumatic events — made possible thanks to the unity of medics, donors, and responsible businesses like Kyivstar.”
Iryna Hutsal, director of dobro.ua, added: “This project isn’t just about responding to war-related challenges. It’s about shaping a lasting healthcare system that will serve children well into the future. Quality care at home means more than treatment — it means safety, support, and hope.”
Kyivstar plans to continue the “Children’s Hope” initiative, involving its subscribers in charitable giving, and will maintain support for the UNBROKEN center to further enhance pediatric healthcare in Ukraine.