10 facts about Donbas: the needs of local civilians and their expectations from 2016. INFOGRAPHICS

In December, Rinat Akhmetov Humanitarian Center presented an updated Humanitarian map of the current situation and needs of civilians in Donetsk and Luhansk regions based on results of sociological research conducted by Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS).

In addition to the basic requirements in food, medications and non-food items, the KIIS specialists dedicated the new research to study the basic requirements of children and the future expectations of Donbas residents in 2016. These are ten facts about the situation in Donbas.

1. Every sixth of the respondents reported active military actions in town. This is 9% more people than in September. The number of those noting positive changes in towns has reduced by three times. This is due to resumed shelling.
2. Requirements in food, medications and household goods have reduced over the past year. Every third resident needs food products, every fifth requires household goods and hygiene products.
3. The highest demand of Donbas population is medications. They are required by 45% of local residents. The most demanded categories of pharmaceuticals include heart disease drugs (25%), blood pressure medications (23%) and sedatives (11%). There is a lack of other medications as well, such as antibiotics, antifebriles, anti-allergic medications, insulin, etc.  
4. 14% of respondents personally know the cases when children suffered injuries due to hostilities. 55% of these children require treatment, 23% need physical rehabilitation. Half of them need psychological assistance.  
5. Rovenky, Zuhres, Alchevsk, Yenakiieve and Stanytsia Luhanska – these are five most distressed Donbas towns. Up to 70% of civilians there have an urgent requirement in food, medications and household goods. The most difficult situation is observed in the towns of Luhansk region.
6. 2/3 of all respondents think that "it is difficult to live lake this, but possible to handle". Over the past year the number of those finding their situation ‘intolerable’ has decreased by three times, and the number of people finding the situation ‘not bad’ has increased.
7. Over 65% of Donbas families with schoolchildren and students are concerned about the status of their future education certificates and diplomas issued in non-government-controlled areas. The research shows that the number of children in Donbas educational institutions became higher by the end of 2015. The major problem remains the same: the prices for the necessary school supplies, clothes and footwear are very expensive. Children's nutrition directly depends on the family income, many people survive due to humanitarian aid.
8. Donbas children require psychological support. According to the observations of parents and employees of healthcare, educational and social institutions, children have become more grown-up and mature, especially those who never left their towns during the active hostilities. Children often have sleep and behaviour disorders, epilepsy attacks are recorded more often.
9. 95% of residents are not planning to leave the settlements they are living in. Less and less respondents are planning their departure, and those who would like to leave, don't have any clear preferences about the destination.
10. 24% of Donbas residents believe that peace comes in 2016. And 53% on both sides of the contact line think that 2016 will be better that this year. They believe that the new year will more peaceful, and the economic situation in the region will get reasonably better.

In December KIIS presented "Humanitarian map of Donbas: results of the year and expectations of civilian population"". The research was conducted by order of Rinat Akhmetov Humanitarian Center and Dopomozhemo TV during November 24 – December 5, 2015. 2,113 respondents older than 18 were polled through telephone and computer interviewing (CATI). Residents of 30 most distressed towns of Donetsk and Luhansk regions participated in the surveying.