By Basant El-Faramawy
Ukrainian doctors are adopting biological warfare protocols to combat severe infections among wounded soldiers, an initiative driven by clinical pharmacologist Hailie Uren. Up to 40 percent of injured troops arrive at hospitals with antibiotic-resistant infections, often after days or weeks of travel from the front lines.
Infections Resemble Biological Attack
Blast injuries from drones leave deep wounds contaminated with soil and debris. By the time soldiers reach medical facilities, 30 to 40 percent have developed severe infections that can lead to amputations and death. Uren recognized that the situation mirrors a biological warfare scenario where antibiotics are ineffective.
Protocol Adapted from Biowarfare Plans
Hospitals already maintain emergency plans for biological attacks. Uren proposed applying those same urgent disinfection protocols on the battlefield. She presented the idea to Ukraine’s surgeon general and secured backing from the defense and health ministries.
Field Disinfection Unit Launched
The program began in September with a large tent outside a central Ukrainian hospital. Injured soldiers are stripped of contaminated clothing and bandages, washed with antiseptic, and showered before entering the facility. A dress rehearsal was conducted at a military base in Poland in June.
