Support for Patients with Rare Diseases in Odesa
In Odesa, patients with rare diseases have been receiving necessary medications and therapeutic nutrition for many years at no cost, under the City Program «Health».
In 2025, the municipal budget of Odesa allocated 26.8 million UAH for the treatment of patients with orphan diseases. Support from the city significantly improves quality of life, preventing serious complications and reducing the financial burden on families.
As part of the «Health» program, 21 patients with phenylketonuria received special therapeutic mixtures, including 12 children and 9 adults. This enabled patients who cannot consume regular food to have adequate nutrition with sufficient protein content during their critical development period, thus preserving their physical and mental health. Ongoing provision of therapeutic nutrition helps avoid complications in older age.
Regarding patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, 60 children and 50 adults were provided with biological drugs funded by the state budget over the past nine months. Additionally, three adults received high-cost biological drugs from the municipal budget, which are not purchased with state funds.
Providing biological drugs has improved the well-being of patients, alleviating pain and enhancing the quality of life for both children and adults, allowing them to engage in social activities like dance groups and sports.
During the first nine months of 2025, 175 patients with other orphan diseases received medications, including 132 patients with ankylosing spondylitis, 29 individuals with psoriatic arthropathy, and patients with other rare conditions.
For many years, children with hemophilia have received essential blood clotting factor medications funded by the municipal budget, preventing severe bleeding and complications. This year, 11 children are receiving replacement therapy with clotting factors purchased with state funds.
Timely access to treatment has significantly improved the quality of life for patients with orphan diseases, enabling them to live fulfilling lives and halt the progression of disability.
