WHO/Europe, as part of the programme “Health resilience in the Eastern Partnership”, funded by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Enlargement and the Eastern Neighbourhood (DG ENEST), is launching a survey on the mental health and well-being of doctors and nurses in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Republic of Moldova and Ukraine. This is the first-ever survey of its kind being launched in this group of countries, also known as the Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries.
This survey aims to gather crucial data to better understand the challenges that doctors and nurses face in their work environments.
The launch event will take place on 20 May from 11:00–13:30 CEST via Zoom. Registration is now open and available at the link below.
Why a survey and why now
This survey is an extension of one launched in October 2024 in the 27 European Union (EU) countries and Iceland and Norway, under the EU-funded project “Addressing mental health challenges”. The survey was completed in April 2025 with results forthcoming in autumn 2025.
Health systems are experiencing increasing pressures with many doctors and nurses reporting poor mental health and working conditions. These challenges are contributing to burnout, absenteeism and professionals leaving the workforce. To address these concerns, WHO/Europe aims to collect data and responses from doctors and nurses directly, to understand the key factors affecting mental health and well-being, providing a strong evidence base to guide effective strategies for improving working conditions.
The well-being of doctors and nurses is critical to the future of health systems. Protecting their mental health is not just a moral obligation – it is essential to retaining a strong, resilient workforce. By participating in this survey, doctors and nurses will have the opportunity to share their personal reflections and aspirations to shape future policies designed to enhance their working conditions and ensure long-term well-being.
The launch event on 20 May will include the participation of representatives from the health ministries of the 5 participating EaP countries, members of mental health civil society organizations as well as health workers’ associations.