EKFS

Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung (EKFS) is one of Germany’s leading medical and humanitarian foundations, dedicated to advancing medical science, improving healthcare systems, and expanding access to healthcare for vulnerable populations. Since the escalation of the war in Ukraine in 2022, EKFS has become an active donor supporting emergency health response and long-term healthcare recovery initiatives across the country.

Through its Ukraine-focused humanitarian funding, EKFS prioritizes projects that combine direct medical assistance with health system strengthening and institutional resilience. The foundation supports initiatives focused on:

• Access to medicines for vulnerable and conflict-affected populations
• Strengthening paediatric emergency and trauma care
• Rehabilitation and development of medical infrastructure in frontline and de-occupied regions
• Support for survivors of gender-based violence
• Hepatitis C prevention, diagnosis, and treatment services
• Capacity building and training for healthcare professionals

Current EKFS-supported projects in Ukraine demonstrate strong engagement in southern and frontline regions, including Kherson and other war-affected oblasts. The foundation appears particularly interested in interventions that deliver sustainable impact beyond immediate humanitarian relief and contribute to the recovery and modernization of Ukraine’s healthcare system.

EKFS commonly works through partnerships with international humanitarian organizations, local NGOs, hospitals, and healthcare institutions. Potential partners may include:

• Municipal and regional healthcare authorities
• Ukrainian hospitals and emergency care centres
• Public health and SRH-focused NGOs
• Organizations working on infectious diseases and HIV/hepatitis programming
• Medical universities and professional training institutions
• International NGOs implementing humanitarian health programmes in Ukraine

The foundation’s funding approach indicates strong alignment with projects focused on health system recovery, vulnerable populations, women’s health, sexual and reproductive health (SRH), healthcare workforce strengthening, and innovative models for improving healthcare access in conflict-affected settings.

Ukraine Commitment

In Ukraine, the foundation funds public health projects focused on reproductive health, mental health, support for frontline territories, and strengthening the public health system.