Russia-Ukraine war live as British soldiers step in to pack helmets for the war zone

Pediatricians sign letter calling for support for Ukrainian children

More than 300 pediatricians have signed an open letter calling on the government to provide support to doctors treating children injured during the war between Russia and Ukraine.

The letter, published online in the medical journal The Lancet, warns of children suffering “serious trauma – both physical and psychological” as a result of the airstrikes that came after Vladimir Putin’s army launched an invasion over a month ago.

Bombings of schools and hospitals have taken place across the country in recent weeks, including a maternity and children’s ward in Mariupol which was attacked on March 14.

On Thursday, the government said 5.29 million medical items had now been donated to Ukraine, including life-saving drugs, dressings and intensive care equipment.

The last flight carrying medical equipment left Birmingham Airport for Poland on Thursday morning. The items will then be transported to Ukraine.

The letter from paediatricians and Save the Children said: ‘Children are more likely than adults to suffer blast injuries of greater severity, have a disproportionate need for healthcare services and are more likely to die as a result.

“If children survive explosive weapons, they often face not only physical trauma and disability, but also the acute stress of growing up in a conflict zone. Without treatment, the long-term effects mean that children face a lifetime of physical and mental suffering.

“We are sending an appeal to the UK Government for immediate action to stand up in solidarity with all health care staff trying to care for children caught up in conflict at this difficult time and offer practical assistance when this is possible.

“This could include (but is not limited to): direct medical support; training; medical advice and guidance; distribution of resources such as the “Paediatric Blast Injury Field Manual”.