On July 8, 2024, a Russian cruise missile struck the Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital in Kyiv, Ukraine — the country’s largest pediatric facility. The missile hit the toxicology department, where children were undergoing dialysis, killing two people and injuring more than 300. Five hospital buildings were damaged or destroyed, severely disrupting treatment for thousands of seriously ill children.

Despite millions in donations raised for reconstruction, a procurement scandal led to the implementation of a new oversight system to ensure transparency. Hospital leaders stress the importance of rebuilding trust and restoring full medical services. Reconstruction is complex and ongoing, involving repairs to critical infrastructure like ventilation, electricity, and water systems.

Personal stories highlight the human toll: a mother shielding her immunocompromised daughter during the blast, and a nurse who returned to work after surviving life-threatening injuries. Although the hospital now operates with fewer beds and reduced capacity, the need for pediatric care — especially for war-wounded children — has only grown. The rebuilding of Okhmatdyt is expected to take years, but its mission to save children’s lives continues every day.
 

(This video summary was created using AI. A journalist edited it before publication.)