War in Ukraine

Any enquiries and relevant information relating to the situation in Ukraine which could be of interest should be sent to [email protected] and will be passed on to the relevant people.  

Please do consider donating to humanitarian organisations such as the Red Cross of Ukraine and UNICEF Ukraine, two examples of humanitarian support funds.

You can also find information here from Endo-ERN on their actions and a list with European healthcare centres for rare endocrine disorders to ensure that every possible patient or parent can find the nearest healthcare professional for treatment.

We very much hope for a rapid resolution of the conflict which is hurting so many people. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this terrible situation.

Anita Hokken-Koelega

ESPE President

29-04-2022

During war, children are exposed to conflict and can be in search of safety. As some of our most vulnerable in society, they need to be protected against loss, pain and fear. Children with endocrine disorders are at high risk, as they may be deprived of medication and the minimum standard of care. This is especially true for acute life-threatening conditions such as diabetes mellitus, congenital hyperinsulinism, diabetes insipidus, congenital adrenal hyperplasia and adrenal insufficiency.

It is ESPE’s mission to advance excellence in paediatric endocrinology, diabetes and bone disorders, by promoting research, education and medical practice to the benefit of child and adolescent health throughout the world. ESPE Council is deeply concerned about the war in Ukraine, especially the violence and harm to children, and wants to express its solidarity and support towards all those affected by the ongoing attacks. ESPE Council has carefully considered how our society should respond to the current situation in Ukraine and how best to support the healthcare and welfare of Ukrainian children, as well as assist our colleagues who care for them. We continue to hope for a rapid resolution of the war in Ukraine and peace restored.

ESPE’s Action Plan:

• ESPE has arranged a 6-month supply of endocrine medications for Ukrainian children with endocrine disorders, based on the list provided by the Ukrainian Association for Paediatric Endocrinologists. ESPE was prepared to donate all medicines, but fortunately a considerable amount has been donated by pharmaceutical companies. Medicines for Europe and their members have provided excellent support to ESPE for the collection and the transport of medicines from Western Europe into Ukraine.
• ESPE is offering free ESPE membership for 2022 for Ukrainian paediatric endocrinologists involved in the treatment of children with endocrine disorders, and free online access to the ESPE 2022 Annual Meeting for Ukrainian ESPE members.
• For the moment and as long as the war lasts, ESPE Council has decided to not hold ESPE events in Russia and Belarus. ESPE will also not accept grant applications from employees of Russian and Belarusian institutions, and will not consider employees of Russian and Belarusian institutions for membership in ESPE committees.

Support for professionals:

• You can find information here on the European Reference Network (Endo-ERN) website, including a list with European healthcare centres for rare endocrine disorders to ensure that every possible patient or parent can find the nearest healthcare professional for treatment
• The European Commission have launched ERA4Ukraine, a new one-stop-shop portal for Researchers to find out about:
• Job opportunities in the EU
• Recognition of diploma
• housing offers
• web support and information 

Support for patients/parents:

• ESPE information booklets for patients and parents about diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), multiple pituitary hormone deficiency (MPHD), adrenal insufficiency, growth hormone deficiency and hypo – and hyperthyroidism will be translated into Ukrainian and Russian by our Ukrainian colleagues. These will be published on the Ukrainian webpage when ready.
• You can find information here on the European Reference Network (Endo-ERN) website, including a list with European healthcare centres for rare endocrine disorders to ensure that every possible patient or parent can find the nearest healthcare professional for treatment.

01-03-2022

First statement ESPE Council on Ukraine

As the news of the shocking invasion of Ukraine by Russia reverberates around the world, we as ESPE Council members are sure you share our overwhelming concern for all of our colleagues and the innocent people who are being hurt by this terrible event. We are hugely concerned about the safety and welfare of the children and adolescents with endocrine conditions, such as diabetes and adrenal insufficiency, who are at risk of developing life-threatening complications if the suitable treatments are not provided due to the chaotic situation in Ukraine. It is our hope that the children and adolescents affected receive the care they need.

Our thoughts go out to all of our colleagues, their families and patients who are in the midst of these challenging times. We sincerely hope that peaceful negotiations will help end the war and needless suffering.

Please find here links to the Red Cross of Ukraine and UNICEF Ukraine, two examples of humanitarian support funds.

We are in the process of working with our colleagues in Ukraine to understand their needs and how ESPE can support them.

ESPE Council

ESPE’s activity in support of the people of Ukraine and in particular those with paediatric endocrine disorders is detailed below.

• ESPE will donate medicines to Ukrainian children with paediatric endocrine disorders and is, therefore, working with pharmaceutical companies for acquiring and transporting medicines into Ukraine.
• All Ukrainian ESPE members have been provided with free ESPE membership for 2022
• All Ukrainian ESPE members will be eligible for free online access to the ESPE 2022 annual meeting