Meet Katia. 23 years old and studying hard as part of a future Ukraine leaders programme. Katia has been through a lot though. Until recently, she was a senior medic wielding huge responsibility, leading a team of 35 medics coordinating air evacuations and carrying out major operations in non-clinical environments as well as much more that we can't share here due to its sensitive nature. She's put her own life in danger to save others' lives.

(Photograph courtesy of Edward Matthews, BBC award-winning photographer @edward.snaps (https://emrismedia.com/))

When we met in October 2024 in Kyiv, I asked Katia what her team actually needed and how we might help. Ukraine is still very much at war and many of the worst affected are medics and other emergency services. They are deliberately targeted by drones and “double tap” strikes and often don’t have enough supplies. I’m also aware that a lot of the wrong aid goes to the wrong places - needs assessments aren’t always carried out. Part of my work with Operation Safedrop (where I’m a Trustee) is aimed at solving this problem.

Katia provided this list, and now I need YOU to help us raise enough money to purchase the equipment and hand it directly over to the people who need it. With your donations you can rest assured that every penny will go towards the end goal and everything will be documented.

Some of the items she requested:

Pain & Anti-inflammatory Medicines:

Meloxicam

Dexketoprofen

Stomach/Digestive Medicines:

Omeprazole (for acid reflux)

Almagel (antacid)

Loperamide (anti-diarrheal)

Enterosgel/Atoxil (toxin absorbers)

Ondansetron (anti-nausea)

Antibiotics & Anti-infectives:

Moxifloxacin

Betadine (antiseptic)

Levomycol ointment

Brain/Neurological Medicines:

Citicoline

Betahistine

Vinpocetine

Heart & Blood Related:

Combined heart drugs

Magnikor 75 (blood thinner)

Medical Equipment:

EKG machine (12-lead with suction cups)

Plastic stretchers

Tourniquets (Cat or Sich type)

Syringes (5.0)

GluNeo life glucometer test strips

Other Medical Supplies:

Arget plasters (bandages)

Otipax (ear drops)

Hemostats (clamps)

Antiviral medications (various forms)

Operation SafeDrop is dedicated to sourcing all items in the most cost-effective way possible, whether procuring in Ukraine or transporting from another country, complying with relevant legislation.