A programmatic review of Plan International’s humanitarian impact in Ukraine, Poland, Romania and Moldova
Plan International East and Central Europe’s report From Response to Resilience assesses the programmatic impact of humanitarian initiatives implemented in Ukraine, Poland, Romania and Moldova between 2022 and 2025. The report analyses results across six programmatic areas: direct humanitarian assistance, child protection, mental health and psychosocial support, sexual and reproductive health and rights, prevention of gender-based violence, and access to education. It also presents key cross-cutting learnings related to gender equality, inclusion and youth engagement.
In response to the escalation of the war in Ukraine in February 2022, Plan International rapidly mobilised to support refugees and conflict-affected communities, establishing operations in Poland, Moldova and Romania within weeks. In August 2022, the organisation expanded its presence inside Ukraine, working alongside local organisations to deliver lifesaving assistance across East and Central Europe at the scale required by the crisis.
Under its 2022 to 2025 strategy, Plan International’s response moved beyond immediate humanitarian relief to address the structural drivers of vulnerability faced by refugees, internally displaced people and host communities. Alongside delivering lifesaving assistance, programmes prioritised strengthening the wellbeing of girls, young people and marginalised groups, while advancing social, gender and economic justice in communities affected by conflict and displacement.
A sustained commitment to localisation has been central to these outcomes. Since 2022, over 70 percent of programme funding has been channelled directly to partners, enabling faster, more context-responsive projects and strengthening the long-term capacity of local civil society organisations. Through this partner-led approach, Plan International has reached more than 1.7 million people through 87 projects implemented with 65 partners across four countries.
Across Ukraine, Poland, Moldova and Romania, Plan International and its partners demonstrated significant agility in an evolving crisis, responding to urgent needs while laying the foundations for recovery. Together, they contributed to creating safer and more protective environments, expanding access to quality education and language support for children, adolescents and youth, and improving psychosocial wellbeing. Programmes also increased access to information, referrals and essential services related to sexual and reproductive health and prevention of gender-based violence, enabling communities to protect their rights, make informed choices and rebuild their lives amid ongoing uncertainty.
