Support for Patients with Rare Diseases in Odesa

In Odesa, patients suffering from rare diseases requiring long-term expensive treatment receive vital medications and specialized nutrition free of charge through the «Health» program.

The city budget for 2025 allocates 26.8 million UAH to supply these patients with medications. Support from local authorities significantly improves their quality of life, preventing complications and reducing the financial burden on families.

As part of the «Health» program, 21 patients with phenylketonuria have been provided with specialized nutritional mixtures — 12 children and 9 adults. This ensures they receive essential nutrients during critical development periods, preserving their physical and mental health. Regular supply of therapeutic nutrition helps avoid complications later in life.

Regarding patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, 60 children and 50 adults have been provided with biological medications funded by the state this year. Additionally, three adults received expensive biopharmaceuticals from the city budget, not covered by state funding.

This treatment has improved patients' well-being, alleviated pain, and enabled them to engage in social activities, allowing children to participate in dance and sports.

Over the past nine months of 2025, 175 patients with other rare diseases received medications, including 132 with ankylosing spondylitis, 29 with psoriatic arthritis, and others.

For many years, children with hemophilia in Odesa received necessary blood clotting factor medications at no cost from the city budget due to the lack of centralized supplies. This has prevented severe complications, and 11 children are receiving therapy this year funded by the state budget.

Timely and accessible treatment has significantly improved the quality of life for patients with rare diseases, allowing them to live fulfilling lives and halt the progression of disability.