On 26 February 2010, Rinat Akhmetov's Foundation for Development of Ukraine (FDU) bought and handed over to the Donetsk Regional Disease Control and Prevention Department 10,000 doses of BCG vaccine to immunize newborn children against TB. The purchase will allow to minimize the vaccine deficit until the state-funded supplies are resumed, which is not expected before April.

FDU made the decision because of the acute TB vaccine deficit in Donetsk oblast. Ten thousand doses purchased by Rinat Akhmetov’s Foundation will satisfy the region's needs until April. If state-funded supplies are delayed, the Foundation is ready to take prompt actions to prevent vaccination schedule failures and not to expose the children to the danger of TB infection during TB epidemics in Ukraine.

"We are trying to respond with maximum efficiency to all the requests we receive. The issues of children's health care have always been and remain our top priority", says Anatoliy Zabolotny, Director of the Foundation.

The situation with TB vaccine supply is complicated not only in Donetsk oblast, but all over Ukraine. Rinat Akhmetov’s Foundation bought vaccine for the children of Donetsk and Rovno oblasts before. Although supplying the regions with TB vaccine is the function of the government, the Foundation, realizing the importance of this issue, is going to hold control over the situation.

About the Foundation:
Rinat Akhmetov’s Foundation  for Development  of Ukraine is a non-profit organization established on 15 July 2005.
Mission of the Foundation – Rinat Akhmetov’s Foundation  for Development  of Ukraine lays the basis for the successful and sustainable development of Ukrainian society by investing in the education of future generations, improving the nation’s health, as well as preservation and development of Ukrainian culture.
Areas of activity: Contemporary Education, Health of the Nation, Cultural Heritage, Targeted Assistance.
President of the Foundation is Rinat  Akhmetov.

Press release
26/02/2010
Donetsk