In the face of war and humanitarian crisis, it is decisive action and strong partnerships that pave the way for hope. The collaboration between Hug and SahlgrenskaInternational has become one such beacon — not just a partnership between institutions, but a powerful example of people helping people beyond organizational boundaries.

Sahlgrenska was with us from the very beginning — before any processes were in place — and to this day, they remain a steady and reliable partner. Their support has evolved beyond material donations; today, it extends to integrating Ukrainian medical professionals into Sweden’s healthcare system and fostering international knowledge exchange.

Thanks to initiatives like that of Peter Thyberg from Sahlgrenska’s Medical Physics andTechnology division, this collaboration continues to thrive. Peter's personal engagement shows how individual action within large systems can spark lasting impact, further underlining how critical this support remains today.

Delivering Essential Medical Support

Over the years of our collaboration, Hug, together with Sahlgrenska International and Sisjönsdepå, has facilitated the collection, preparation, and dispatch of a staggering volume of life-saving medical equipment. Through continuous donations — many driven by Peter Thyberg—we have received thousands of critical medical items that now serve on the frontlines of care.

Notable donations include dozens of portable defibrillators, infusion pumps, high-end ultrasound machines, dialysis machines, monitoring systems, surgical lamps, bipolar diathermy devices, and gastroscopes. Schiller AT-10 EKGs and Olympus ESG-100electrosurgical systems have also been delivered. Each item adds strength to an overwhelmed healthcare system, enabling frontline professionals to continue their work under extreme conditions.

Sustainable Solutions: Packing Hope, Saving Lives

The scale of aid delivered is vast. Hug has packed and shipped hundreds of pallets of vitals upplies — each one meticulously sorted to ensure readiness for rapid deployment.

But this is more than logistics. This effort also supports sustainability, as we prolong the value of medical equipment originally acquired for Sweden’s healthcare system—giving it a renewed purpose through life-saving treatments in Ukraine.By reusing reliable, high-quality equipment, we not only save lives but minimize waste and make the most of existing resources.

The aid includes:• Surgical Accessories: Instruments, sterile drapes, surgical lamps
• Airway Management: Intubation kits, laryngoscopes, Ambu bags, masks, cannulas
• Infusion & Catheter Supplies: PVKs, CVKs, IV sets, infusion pumps
• Wound Care: VAC dressings, compresses, bandages, advanced dressing kits
• Orthopedic & Vascular Supplies: Vascular prostheses, orthopedic tools
• Nutrition & Fluids: Parenteral/enteral nutrition, hydration fluids, electrolytes
• Lab Equipment: Test kits, sample containers, diagnostic tools
• PPE: Gowns, gloves, face shields
• Monitoring Equipment: Advanced vital signs monitors
• Dialysis Machines: For chronic and acute kidney failure
• Electrosurgical Systems: Bipolar diathermy units
• Diagnostic Tools: Gastroscopes, ultrasound gel, imaging supplies
• Respiratory Equipment: Rubens tubes, oxygen masks, stabilization accessories

Deliveries That Reach Where It’s Needed Most

These life-saving donations have reached some of the most critical and hard-hit areas in Ukraine.Aid has been delivered to 21 hospitals in the Kharkiv region, 3 hospitals in the Luhansk region, as well as to central hospitals in Dnipro and Sumy, and children’s hospitals in the Odesa region. In addition, support has reached key institutions such as Ohmadyt Children's Hospital, the Unbroken Center, andKyiv’s Military Hospital.

Most crucially, equipment has made its way to stabilization points at Ground Zero, where frontline responders work under the harshest, most urgent conditions.Ambulances operating in active combat zones have also been equipped with this vital support, enabling life-saving emergency evacuations in the most challenging environments.

Building Bridges: Medical Exchange and Lifesaving Care

Beyond emergency aid, Sahlgrenska International is helping lay the foundation for long-term resilience. Through the CareConnectWithUkraine initiative, over twenty Ukrainian healthcare professionals have been employed at Sahlgrenska — receiving language training, orientation in the Swedish healthcare system, and support to step into clinical roles with purpose and dignity.

This commitment to collaboration extends in both directions. Several Swedish ST physicians fromSahlgrenska are currently working on the ground in Ukraine, contributing their expertise through humanitarian missions in some of the most demanding medical environments.Their presence reflects a deep professional and personal engagement — bringingSwedish medical knowledge directly to those in urgent need.

Knowledge exchange has also taken place in Sweden. In July 2023, Sahlgrenska welcomed a delegation of 42 Ukrainian doctors and nurses from over ten hospitals and universities, aspart of a study visit organized by the Association for the French-UkrainianSynergy in the Healthcare Field (ASFUDS). Help Ukraine Gothenburg provided interpretation support, highlighting the strength of local cooperation.

Meanwhile, Sahlgrenska University Hospital continues to care for those most affected by the war. Both injured soldiers and civilians — including children — have received advanced medical care and complex reconstructive surgeries, including limbrestoration. These efforts demonstrate a strong and ongoing commitment to healing across borders.

Firsthand Impact: Stories from the Frontlines

Every shipment tells a story of resilience. Every defibrillator, every oxygen mask, every surgical kit delivered is part of a chain of survival.

This is factual, concrete help — not symbolic gestures. Together, our collective contributions have enabled doctors and nurses on the frontlines to keep going. The feedback we receive from medical teams and patients is filled with gratitude, but also with a sense of partnership — they know they're not alone.

Everyone involved — from donors to logistics teams — can feel proud. This is what real impact looks like when people unite.

Corporate Responsibility in Action

SahlgrenskaInternational stands as a model for how institutions can drive transformative humanitarian outcomes. Their commitment, embodied in consistent action, has not only empowered Hug’s mission—it has proven what true corporate social responsibility can achieve.

They remind us that when organizations act with purpose, and individuals within them go the extra mile, the results are measured in lives saved — and futures restored.

How Your Organization Can Make a Difference

The needs inUkraine are still immense — and ongoing. We call on companies and organizations to join us in delivering hope. Whether it’s donating medical equipment, offering warehouse space, or helping with logistics — every contribution matters.

If your organization is ready to step forward, please contact us at contact@hug.ngo.

Together, we can continue making a difference where it matters most.

We Hug You.