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on the supply of medicines and the ability to pro
vide healthcare, I will first take this opportunity to strongly condemn the Russian invasion. Aggressive acts of war of this kind are unforgivable and destroy every opportunity of building sustainable “THERE ARE ALSO MAJOR NEEDS FOR HEALTHCARE IN THE REFUGEE CAMPS SET UP IN NEIGHBORING societies. The consequences are both immediate and long-term. Of course, this insight is intuitive but it is also described with all desirable clarity in the presentation of UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 16 (see the Swedish website on the Sustainable Development Goals, globalamalen.se). Peaceful societies and freedom from violence are both a goal and a means of sustainable development. Inclusive, responsible and just institutions are the foundation of good governance free from conflict, corruption and violence. All people are equal under the law and must have access to justice and opportunities to exert influence and hold decision-makers accountable. No lasting progress can be attained in a context of conflict and violence. Violence not only means human suffering, it also destroys the basis of economic, environmental and social development of society. Those countries that are affected by war and protracted conflict are those countries that encounter the greatest difficulty in lifting their populations out of poverty. Strengthening the principle of the rule of law and promoting human rights is the key to peaceful, inclusive and sustainable societies. At the moment it is virtually impossible to ensure access to pharmaceuticals in Ukraine. There is a massive need, but not even organisations like UNHCR, Médecins Sans Frontières or the Red Cross are able to enter the country safely. Russia only respects the humanitarian corridors set up for brief periods of time. There are also major needs for healthcare in the refugee camps set up in neighboring countries. Aid is reaching these camps, but to have an actual impact, structure and collaboration between all actors is hugely important. This is why government agencies, aid organisations and we in the business community are urging coordinated action, preferably via the EU’s Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA). COUNTRIES. AID IS REACHING THESE CAMPS, BUT TO HAVE AN ACTUAL IMPACT, STRUCTURE AND COLLABORATION BETWEEN ALL ACTORS IS HUGELY IMPORTANT.” BENGT MAT TSON Bengt Mattson, special adviser, Lif NORDICLIFESCIENCE.ORG 25 PHOTO GUNILLA LUNDSTRÖM