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Every day, experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are on guard for public health, although their work often goes unnoticed. They examine water, air, and food, monitor the spread of infections, provide vaccinations, and work to prevent diseases so that everyone feels safe. Nataliia Ivanchenko-Timko, Director General of the Lviv Regional Center for Disease Control and Prevention of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, shares the story of her daily challenges, successes and the crucial role of prevention.
“Ukraine has adopted a Law on the public health system for over a year ago. The main goal is to make sure that people live longer, get sick less and face less frequent exacerbations of chronic diseases. And this can only be achieved when communities, doctors, authorities and people themselves work together,” says Nataliia Ivanchenko-Timko.
Public health is not just about fighting infectious diseases. It is a comprehensive approach that covers various areas of human life.
“Public health includes the prevention of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension or iodine deficiency, work to reduce road injuries and prevent violence. It also includes environmental protection: clean air, quality drinking water, and safe recreation areas. And all of this is part of our daily work,” explains Nataliia Ivanchenko-Timko.
At the regional level, public health work is organized through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which have an extensive network of district offices. These centers are responsible for monitoring and preventing the spread of diseases.
“We work in two major areas: laboratory surveillance and work with people. Our laboratories regularly monitor the quality of air, water, soil, and food for bacteria, viruses, toxins, and chemicals. If a problem arises, we immediately give recommendations to the local authorities on how to fix it.”
In addition to the environment, considerable attention is paid to human health.
“We are also investigating viruses that cause respiratory diseases and influenza, diagnosing measles, mumps and many other infections,” says Nataliia Ivanchenko-Timko.
Nataliia emphasizes the importance of immunoprophylaxis as a key tool for disease prevention.
“We have a large cold storage room for vaccines and a special refrigerator to deliver them to hospitals. Together with medical institutions, we plan the need for immunobiological products for the next year, and we also organize mobile teams to visit communities where there are no permanent medical stations,” she explains.
Prevention of non-communicable diseases is also an important area.
“Lviv Region is an iodine deficiency area, so we are actively working to solve this problem. We study the iodine content in water, popularize iodized foods, and examine pregnant women for iodine levels in their bodies. We are also implementing early screening programs, such as sugar levels, blood pressure, or cancer markers. This helps detect the disease in time and prevent complications.”
The center also works to reduce antimicrobial resistance and healthcare-associated infections.
“We teach medical staff how to use antibiotics properly, how to hygienically clean their hands, and how to perform sanitary procedures so that infections do not spread in hospitals. This helps protect both patients and doctors,” adds Nataliia.
“When I see the results of our work — a disease detected early, a life saved, or a changed habit that leads to better health — it is the greatest reward. Every small step, every consultation or vaccination is a contribution to the well-being of our society. I am proud that we are working to help people live longer and happier lives.”
Activities to promote healthy lifestyle cover both adults and children, as healthy habits should be formed from an early age.
“We hold various events, such as Health 35+, where we examine employees of companies, educate them about proper nutrition, physical activity, and disease prevention,” says Nataliia Timko.
“At these events, we measure blood sugar, blood pressure, body mass index, and provide recommendations for a healthy lifestyle. Dietitians teach people how to create a balanced diet to prevent obesity, cardiovascular disease or diabetes. We also engage physical activity specialists who design personalized exercise routines, such as Nordic walking, and teach people how to stay fit.”
Particular attention is paid to schoolchildren, as habits established in childhood often remain for life.
“We work with school children on school nutrition reform and creation of a safe learning environment. We explain to children what 'extra products' are and why it is important to avoid excessive consumption of sweets, fast food or carbonated drinks. All this happens in an interactive way: we play with children, show them what a ‘healthy plate’ looks like, and teach them how to make healthier food choices.”
“I remember a case in the Brody community. A woman with a goat approached our medical bus. The goat was held, and she was examined, vaccinated and prescribed treatment. She admitted that she couldn't go to the hospital because there was no one to take care of the goat. This is the main idea — to make sure that medicine comes to people,” says Nataliia Ivanchenko-Timko.
“And there are many such stories. We travel to remote villages where there are no permanent medical facilities to reach as many people as possible who are unable to get to the hospital on their own. Some people are afraid to leave their farms, some are afraid to travel far, and some simply do not know how to go to a doctor. We understand these challenges and try to provide services on the spot.”
Mobile teams are not just about medical care, but also an important step towards raising public awareness.
“In such communities, we do comprehensive work. During one visit, you can have your blood pressure measured, get vaccinated, check your blood sugar, consult a doctor, and even get help from a psychologist. This is especially important now, during the war, when many people are stressed or do not go to doctors because of fear or lack of time. We can demonstrate that it is easy to take care of your health and that help is available,” explains Nataliia.
These visits also have an important social effect: they build trust in doctors and teach people to be more mindful of their health.
“After such health days, people start changing their behavior. Someone thinks about prevention for the first time, and someone receives timely treatment that can save lives. For us, it is a special motivation to see how concrete help brings results and changes the lives of people in the most remote corners of the region.”
“Every visit to the community, every patient examined, reminds us why this work is so important. We come to the places where medicine seems unreachable, and we can see how people get the help they need, which they would not otherwise receive. For me, it's not just a job — it's a mission, thanks to which we change people's lives for the better,” explains Nataliia.
Despite the wartime challenges, the public health system in the Lviv region is actively developing, and people are beginning to value prevention more.
“We are working to ensure that everyone can live longer, stay healthier, and receive timely care when needed. Prevention is always easier than treatment, and when it becomes a habit for everyone, we will be able to achieve significant changes,” says Nataliia Ivanchenko-Timko.