Implementation of the STEPS 2025–2026 Study in Ukraine

In late 2025, the National Coordinating Council for the STEPS 2025–2026 Study on Risk Factors for Noncommunicable Diseases resumed its work in Ukraine.

The National Coordinating Council comprises experts from:

  • the WHO Country Office in Ukraine;
  • the Ministry of Health of Ukraine;
  • the State Institution “Center for Public Health of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine”;
  • the Bogomolets National Medical University;
  • the State Institution «Marzieiev Institute for Public Health of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine»;
  • the NGO “O. Yaremenko Ukrainian Institute of Social Research.”

Dr. Alina PLATONOVA, Doctor of Medical Sciences and Acting Head of the Department of the Safety of Children’s Population Vital Functions at the State Institution «Marzieiev Institute for Public Health of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine,»has been appointed as a member of the National Coordination Council for the STEPS 2025–2026 Study and the Interagency Coordination Working Group of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine on the Implementation of the National Action Plan on Noncommunicable Diseases. As of April 2026, three meetings of the STEPS National Coordination Council have taken place.

Implementation of the STEPS 2025-2026 study in Ukraine as of April 2026:

  • The WHO Country Office in Ukraine procured blood pressure kits, tablets, height rulers, and scales;
  • A study model has been developed, involving the NGO “O. Yaremenko Ukrainian Institute of Social Research” [to carry out the sociological component of the study] and a laboratory partner;
  • The study will be conducted in 20 regions of Ukraine;
  • The WHO Country Office in Ukraine has calculated a sample size of 3,500 individuals aged 19 to 69 years for the 20 regions of Ukraine.
  • A study protocol, questionnaire, and informed consent form for participants have been developed; the package of documents has been submitted to the Ethics Committees of the Central Public Health Department of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and WHO.
  • The possibility of conducting the sociological component of the study in four frontline regions (Sumy, Kharkiv, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts) has been agreed upon, covering areas no closer than 20 km to combat zones.
  • WHO, together with the Central Public Health Department of the Ministry of Health, will coordinate all work;
  • Fieldwork (the study) is planned for April–June;
  • All members of the Coordination Council and key stakeholders are expected to support the information campaign, specifically by posting announcements about the study and using their information resources to promote the STEPS approach to create a positive public image of the study;
  • A “framework” for the information campaign has been developed, which includes local-level outreach through the Central Public Health Centers, the creation of a study page on the Ministry of Health’s Public Information Center website, and informational booklets for respondents.

A press conference dedicated to the launch of the national STEPS study on risk factors for noncommunicable diseases in Ukraine was held on World Health Day (April 7, 2026).

Link to the broadcast (YouTube channel of the Interfax-Ukraine agency):

https://www.youtube.com/@IFUA.Channel

(date of publication on the website: 21.04.2026)