How Hug & Essity Are Changing Lives Across Ukraine

At Hug, we know that humanitarian work is never done alone. It takes partnerships, trust, and unwavering dedication to make a difference in times of crisis. That is why, for over three years, our collaboration with Essity has been at the heart of our mission to support the people of Ukraine. 

Delivering Continuity and Care: Hug and Essity's Ongoing Partnership in Ukraine

For over three years, Essity, a leading global hygiene and health company, and Help Ukraine Gothenburg (Hug) have worked hand in hand to ensure that vital medical supplies and hygiene products have reached the people and places that need them most in Ukraine. What began as a response to urgent needs has developed into a trusted, long-term collaboration built on shared values, fast action, and unwavering commitment.

In our latest joint effort, a full truck of wound care supplies, orthopedic supports, antiseptics, gloves, and children’s plasters was delivered from theNetherlands to Ukraine. The supplies were received and distributed in Kharkiv, one of the regions closest to the frontlines, and from there reached more than 30 hospitals and care institutions across six regions—including Donetsk, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhya, Sumy, Poltava, and Kramatorsk.

Reaching Those Who Need It Most

This collaboration doesn’t just move boxes, it delivers care where healthcare workers are under daily strain, where wounded civilians and defenders rely on every dressing, every splint, and every pair of gloves.

Within just three days of arrival, the shipment supported a wide range of care facilities, including:

• Regional and municipal hospitals
• Perinatal and cardiology centers
• Infectious disease clinics and AIDS prevention centers
• Primary health care units and mobile stabilization points
• Highly specialized facilities treating rare diseases

These medical centers provide care in high-pressure, resource-limited settings, and thanks to Essity’s continued support, their shelves are no longer empty.

A Special Focus on Children

A significant part of this delivery was a selection of bright, soft, and reassuring children’s plasters and wound dressings sent to pediatric palliative and oncology wards across the country.

So far, five children’s hospitals have been reached. This support directly touches the lives of children undergoing the most difficult treatments. It gives healthcare teams tools to work with, and children something as simple as a colorful plaster to make the pain a little more bearable.

Deliveries to Ternopil, Lutsk, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Uzhhorod are already planned as the project expands.

Support to the Frontline and Beyond

Medical aid from this Medical shipment also reached Ukraine’s soldiers and brigades, where antiseptics, orthopedic supports, and protective supplies are helping defenders maintain mobility and hygiene in austere field conditions.

A dedicated veterans’ hospital also received compression bandages, orthoses, and materials used in long-term rehabilitation. For those recovering from combat-related injuries, access to the right supplies can mean the difference between dependency and a return to an active life.

Long-Term Partnership in Practice

The partnership between Essity and Hug stands as a powerful example of sustainable humanitarian support. Over the years, Essity’s ongoing donations have allowed Hug to maintain a reliable stream of high-quality, practical medical supplies — delivered quickly, efficiently, and ethically.

In an environment where healthcare infrastructure is under enormous pressure, this kind of predictable and long-term support is invaluable. It allows for better planning, safer care, and most importantly, hope.

"We started making donations in March 2022, responding to an immense need for urgent support. Over time, our collaboration with HUG has expanded, and we trust their expertise in managing our contributions effectively. Our product donations to HUG significantly impact people's lives, helping those in need and promoting sustainability. The work HUG does empower us to make tangible difference, and it fills me with pride to be part of Essity, a company committed to improving well-being for all." Bengta Hallberg, CSR consultant at Essity

What makes this collaboration work is not just the generosity, but the trust. Essity understands that impact is not about visibility — it’s about relevance, readiness, and relationships.

Why This Matters –And Why More Companies Must Step Up

Essity has demonstrated what real corporate responsibility looks like. Their commitment to Hug, and Ukraine has had a tangible impact on thousands of lives. But the need for humanitarian support is still overwhelming. The war continues, and with it, the humanitarian crisis deepens. Every day, families are displaced, hospitals are overrun, and communities are left without access to the most basic supplies. Hug’s work would not be possible without partners like Essity, but more companies and organizations need to step forward. 

Helping is not complicated. There are many ways to get involved—donating essential products, providing logistical support, and contributing financially. Every action counts. Essity has set an example of what it means to take meaningful action, and now we call on others to follow. 

Looking Ahead

The need inUkraine is still great. But so is the potential for meaningful, long-termengagement. With partners like Essity, we are not only addressing urgent needs —we are helping build resilience into the healthcare system.

We warmly inviteother companies, institutions, and stakeholders to join us. Whether throughmedical donations, logistics, funding, or knowledge-sharing, there is alwaysroom for another partner who wants to make a difference.

Contact usat contact@hug.ngo
Learn more about our work at www.hug.ngo

Together, we bringnot just supplies but support. Not just aid, but care.