Ukrainian mother fights new battle: COVID-19
“Despite everything, I try not to succumb to panic and depression, and I try to adhere to the recommendations of doctors and monitor my health.”
By Rebecca Ice
February 28, 2021
The 3.4 million people in need of humanitarian assistance in Ukraine continue to increase now due to COVID-19, according to the World Health Organization. Featured in an interview by HelpAge International, Klavdiya Kazakova, 79, lives alone and fears she will not be able to manage daily living with COVID-19 due to short finances and the little resources available.
Millions of people were affected by Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine in 2014. Now, the Ukrainian people are facing a different battle.
After escaping the 2014 military conflict in eastern Ukraine, Kazakova rests in her chair covered with colorful Ukrainian throw blankets in the town of Zolotoe in the Luhansk region of Ukraine.
“I first heard about coronavirus from news broadcasts on television, when the outbreak of the virus had just begun in other countries,” said Kazakova. As opposed to a doctor or distanced source, she learned about the symptoms of COVID-19 from a volunteer helping elders in the town.
The country has had nearly 26 thousand deaths and over 1.3 million confirmed cases of COVID-19, in addition to deaths from explosives and persistent war. Now, even those farther from the ‘contact line’ and conflict-torn areas have their own battle to fight against COVID-19.
“At first glance, when the pandemic began, it seemed that nothing had changed in my life. But now I live in constant fear and stress for my life and the life of my loved ones.”
According to the United Nations Sustainable Development Group, as a person with limited mobility, Kazakova is part of the humanitarian crisis currently affecting the largest percentage of older people with disabilities.
While the town has a medical station and a nurse, Kazakova avoids visiting as she has minimal tools to keep herself from getting the virus.
“There are no masks or disinfectants in our pharmacy,” said Kazakova. “I use simple and accessible means: laundry soap, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide. After going out, I must wipe my shoes and dry my outerwear in the fresh air.”
The grocery stores in the town of Zolotoe still have food and essential goods, but the prices are continually rising due to the limited transport. The rising prices threaten access to basic needs since Kazakova, like most older people in Ukraine, relies on a monthly pension check.
Loneliness and depression are other battles she continues to fight. “Despite everything, I try not to succumb to panic and depression, and I try to adhere to the recommendations of doctors and monitor my health.”
To limit the spread of COVID-19, Ukraine closed the ‘contact line,’ a barrier between land inside and outside government control. Consequently, this restricts access to family members and health resources to those living alone needing assistance, such as Kazakova.
“My children didn’t visit me often before, and now that there is no transport connection, I only can communicate with them by mobile phone,” lamented Kazakova.
Those affected by Ukraine’s humanitarian crisis count on humanitarian aid to survive. Funds towards the International Medical Corp help both the people and organizations in affected areas.
The International Medical Corps also provides prevention and control training for COVID-19. “The volunteer’s support is very necessary for me. Thanks to her visits, I don’t feel alone and defenseless,” said Kazakova.
The Ukrainian government recently negotiated a ceasefire agreement, bringing hope to people like Kazakova caught up in its humanitarian and health crisis.
The bright colors and intricate patterns tossed over her chair contrasts Kazakova’s dark situation. “I limit myself in many ways as I don’t know what will happen tomorrow.”
Please donate to the International Medical Corps to help Kazakova and thousands of others like her affected by Ukraine’s health crisis.
