Joined the programme in 2024

Land of Ships and Farmers

Mykolaiv, a city in the South of Ukraine, 65 km from the Black Sea, is an important river port, centre of transport links and a major shipbuilding center of Ukraine. The city has three major shipyards, one of which is capable of building large navy ships. Other important industries are mechanical engineering, power engineering, metallurgy and food production. One of the largest industrial businesses is the Aluminia Factory producing aluminium oxide (raw material to produce aluminium). The land is rich and generous, thus about 100,000 agriculture companies were born in this region: food processing industry, dairy products making, brewery, production and exportation of grain such as wheat, barley and corn. 

Mykolayiv is a home to half a million residents, among them 40,000 children.

Mykolaiv is twinned with about 10 cities across the world; including Aalborg, Denmark in 2023. 

Proximity to the frontline of the war, poor access to drinking water, environmental issues, and significant mental health burden makes the chronic disease challenge in Mykolayiv even more severe. Even though most of the population is elderly, young people are increasingly returning to the city and taking an active part in city’s recovery process. In fact, there is an important opportunity to promote a healthy and active lifestyle among the population during rebuilding and recovery.

Key facts and figures

Diabetes incidence (adults)

15,700

City Healthcare Department

An MoU was signed on 14th September, 2024, during Mykolaiv City’s Anniversary Day, by Mykolayiv Mayor (Oleksandr Sienkevych), Deputy Head of Mission of the Danish Embassy (Jens Alsbirk), and General Manager of Novo Nordisk Ukraine (Vladyslav Moroz). This represents the first step towards implementing dedicated action on health promotion through Cities for Better Health in the city. Given the city’s focus on activating people and building a modern urban infrastructure for biking, the future programme’s priorities will center around increasing opportunities for physical activity. Particularly, the vision is to create a safe and inclusive space in Mykolaiv that will empower people of all ages to cultivate an active life through sports.

In connection with the programme launch, Mykolaiv hosted a Health Day event, where all citizens had the opportunity to check their blood sugar levels and BMI. Additionally, they received a collection of recipes for balanced nutrition, visited a photo exhibition dispelling myths about Diabetes and Obesity, watched videos about these chronic diseases, and children and adolescents enjoyed a variety of physical activities such as football, basketball, and badminton, and professional footballs were donated to the city's sports school.

Mykolaiv City Mayor, Oleksandr Sienkevych:

“We must think how to prevent chronic diseases, so less people are in need of healthcare services. And we are thankful to Novo Nordisk for choosing our city among many other Ukrainian cities and for caring about health of citizens of Mykolaiv”. 

  • Royal Danish Embassy
  • Mykolaiv City Council
  • Mykolaiv City Healthcare Department