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Caught in the frontlines: the babushkas who endured trauma, loss and lack of health care

As the frontlines in the Kharkiv oblast in Ukraine shifted in early September, MSF mobile clinic teams were able to reach people who have been living without access to medical services or proper healthcare. The majority of people who remained in rural towns and villages of the Kharkiv oblast are elderly and/or persons with disabilities. Many have experienced isolation, fear and panic, depression or stress; they lack access to medical care or are without proper treatment. Three months after the Ukrainian army retook control of these areas, the medical and mental health care needs are still high. As the communities have been left with damaged healthcare facilities and psychological wounds caused by months of fear, isolation and violence, the MSF mobile clinic teams are providing primary and mental health care. Most of the patients are older women over the age of 60 presenting with uncontrolled chronic illnesses’, such as hypertension and diabetes, as well as acute stress disorders, sleeping problems and trauma.

MSBSTO33910

Linked assets

CONSENT Anna Ivanivna Nefedova

CONSENT Raisa Petrvina

Local feldsher taking Raisa’s blood pressure, as MSF is providing her with medicine and primary health care.

M4A

Valentyna_11_50 minutes consent

Destroyed ambulatory clinic of Vasylenkova, Kharkiv oblast, Ukraine

Valentyna, 70, Vasylenkova, Ukraine

MSF patient Maria, her daughter Tonya and MSF mobile clinic doctor Igor Bodnia

MSF patient Maria and her daughter Tonya, Ukraine

MSF patient Raisa, 68, Yakovenkove, Kharkiv oblast, Ukraine.

MSF patients waiting for primary and mental health care in Yakovenkove

MSF doctor Olena Kurinna checking Anna Ivanivna Nefedova's blood pressure

Anna Ivanivna Nefedova receiving a primary health care consultation.

MSF doctor Anastasiia Sheiko and nursing activity manager Maia Blenkinsop providing primary health care to patient in Kharkiv, Ukraine.

Patients waiting for MSF mobile clinic primary and mental health care consultations

The gynecological examination chair in the Balakliya polyclinic, Kharkiv oblast, Ukraine.

MSF midwife activity manager Kate Charlton and MSF doctor Igor Bodnia talking with Ukrainian healthcare staff.

Midwife activity manager Kate Charlton discussing healthcare needs with Balakliya polyclinic staff.

The reception of the Balakliya polyclinic in Kharkiv oblast, Ukraine.

Damaged windows of the Balakliya polyclinic in Kharkiv oblast, Ukraine

2022

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Title Caught in the frontlines: the babushkas who endured trauma, loss and lack of health care

Unique Identifier Code / URN MSBSTO33910

Editor's rating ★★★ (F)

Date taken / Date Recorded 25/10/2022 12:00 AM

Sub type Standard Folder

Date taken / Date Recorded 25/10/2022 12:00 AM