On 14th October 2025, the project “Healthy and fit inhabitants of Hrubieszów and Lutsk District” (PL-UARehab) marked its activities with a kick-off conference held near Lutsk. The meeting initiated the beginning of a joint Polish-Ukrainian initiative aimed at improving health and well-being in the border regions through modern rehabilitation and prevention programs.
The event brought together representatives of local authorities, medical institutions, researchers, and Programme partners to discuss joint steps to strengthen rehabilitation services, improve access to modern physical rehabilitation methods, promote disease prevention, and encourage an active, healthy lifestyle among residents of rural communities.
Contrary to the common belief that rural life promotes health and longevity, statistics show the opposite. In 2024 alone, 9,930 accidents were reported in the Lublin Voivodeship, of which 9,378 were related to agricultural work. Farmers most often suffer from falls, injuries caused by animals, and accidents involving agricultural machinery. They also frequently face high physical workloads, limited access to medical services, and a lack of information on musculoskeletal disease prevention. This situation affects both Poland and Ukraine. Another common issue is neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, strokes, and migraines.
During the conference, speakers presented various methods and tools for the prevention and treatment of these conditions. Dr Rafał Sapula discussed modern approaches to rehabilitation for farmers and patients with neurological disorders, while Iryna Polishchuk, Ihor Hnetniov, and Oksana Shkarovetska shared their experience in organising rehabilitation services in medical institutions across Volyn. In the second part of the conference, researchers from Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University – Olha Andriychuk, Nataliia Hreida, and Nataliya Strubitska – delivered presentations on mobile rehabilitation, the prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis among farmers, and modern assistive rehabilitation tools. The project itself, its objectives, key milestones and planned activities were presented by Mariia Pechko, the Ukrainian project coordinator, and Artur Macheta, Deputy Director of the Independent Medical Complex in Hrubieszów (Poland).
Upcoming project activities include acquiring diagnostic and rehabilitation equipment, providing training and knowledge exchange for staff at both partner hospitals, and developing joint solutions for farmers’ health, including the creation and distribution of a brochure with practical health tips.
The implementation of PL-UARehab will strengthen cross-border cooperation in healthcare, enhance the professional competencies of medical staff, and improve the quality of life for residents of the border regions.
Learn more about the PL-UARehab project on the website.
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