Ukrainian Public Health Delegation praises Finnish school meals and student mental health support during study visit

From May 20–24, the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) welcomed a delegation of public health professionals and decision-makers from Ukraine. The visit aimed to explore the prevention and control of chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).

The week-long program covered a diverse array of topics, from food and nutrition policies to planetary health and NCDs. Ukrainian delegates were introduced to Finland's unique registers, statistics, and population survey data, demonstrating their use in monitoring disease burden, risk factors, and behaviours. They also gained insights from the North Karelia Project and other nationwide initiatives addressing the NCD burden. Key takeaways included strategies for planning, implementing, and evaluating NCD prevention interventions.

The visit combined theoretical presentations with practical examples of "whole-of-government" and "whole-of-society" approaches. Delegates visited Puistola primary healthcare centre in Helsinki, the Martha Association, the Finnish Heart Association, the Fazer food company and Vuoniitty comprehensive school (grades 1–9). A highlight was experiencing a healthy, versatile school lunch, which underscored the role of school meals as social equalizers in Finland, provided free of charge to all students.

Ukrainian delegation summarized the key takeaways to be:

• Role of Medical Nurses: Highlighted as crucial in NCD prevention and control.
• School Meals: Recognized as significant social equalizers, promoting healthy eating habits.
• Public, Nationwide Approach to Healthcare Services and NCD Prevention: Showcased comprehensive, systematic strategies.
• Role of NGOs: Particularly women's unions, in public health education and support.
• Changing Behavioural Risk Factors: Strategies to change behaviours contributing to NCDs.
• Data Recording and Registers: Importance of long-term impact monitoring.
• School System: Home economics education and the role of school coaches in student mental health.
• Community Cooperation: Essential for effective NCD prevention and control.
• Cultural Insights: Appreciation for Finnish hospitality, societal trust, and environmental awareness.
• Comprehensive Policies: Including those on alcohol, tobacco, and mental health.
• Effective Communication: Between patients and healthcare providers.
• Sustainability and Policy Stability: Across different government administrations and through the changing regimes.
• Community Leadership Training: Critical for local-level implementation.
• Public Health Education: Not only for the general population but also for healthcare professionals.

Throughout the week, Finnish and Ukrainian peers engaged in discussions about NCD prevention and control practices in both countries. Despite the challenging conditions in Ukraine due to the ongoing war and the pandemic's aftermath, the Ukrainian professionals exhibited strong determination to develop robust NCD prevention and control measures. The Finnish support for Ukraine was evident, symbolized by the many Ukrainian flags flying in Helsinki.

This study visit was part of the USAID Public Health System Recovery and Resilience Activity, implemented by the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute. THL has also supported the Ukraine Public Health Centre at the Ministry of Health through the EU funded project "Support to Ukraine to Develop a Modern Public Health System," led by GFA Consulting Group GmbH. The visit marked a significant milestone in the longstanding peer collaboration that began with Ukraine’s social protection system improvement during Finland's early years of EU membership. 

The visit highlighted the mutual respect and collaboration between Finnish and Ukrainian public health communities, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose in addressing global health challenges.

Paula Tanhuanpää
Head of International Affairs team

For more information on the visit:

Sirje Vaittinen
Project Coordinator
International Affairs team
[email protected]