[ukraine]We are providing support for people with disabilities and chronic disease in Moldova
Peace Winds, in partnership with Ukrainian NGO Keystone Moldova, has been contributing to alleviate the pain of people with disabilities and chronic disease living in Moldova. About 850,000 Ukrainian people evacuated to Moldova in the wake of full-scale invasion by Russia and about 110,000 of them continue to stay in Moldova, according to UNHCR. Peace Winds has been helping them, while providing the same support for Moldovan people with disabilities and chronic disease.
we deliver medicines in accordance to each patient’s needs
According to surveys conducted by Keystone, many people with disabilities and chronic disease have not received adequate medical care. Keystone’s mobile team of medical experts visit and provide care for those who find it difficult to go to medical facilities on their own.
First, we conducted preliminary survey to identify the people who need medical assistance among disabled people with chronic disease. We visited not only the capital but also rural areas to identify 87 Ukrainians and Moldovans staying in Moldova who need medical support. We have provided medicines with instructions regarding the proper way of taking them, as well as guidance about their lifestyle. Among the equipment we have provided include blood pressure monitors, suction machines, hearing-aid devices. We coordinate with local welfare agencies and local physicians to provide customized medical care and care planning.
●recovery of speech and mobile capacity
A 70-year-old woman from Mukolaiv had suffered from paralysis on her left side of body and dizziness after a stroke. She managed to evacuate to Moldova with her daughter after the attack. While she still has some after-effects of the stroke, she has recovered enough to be able to manage her daily life on her own, after receiving treatments we provided.
The woman from Mukolaiv and Dr. Tatiana=left
“I had not expected this much recovery to be able to stand and walk on my own feet. Now, my life is much better with my own room compared to sharing a room with others in a shelter I used to stay. I am living alone since my daughter went back to Ukraine, but I comfortably take care of myself. Seeing the doctor today makes me happier and stronger.”
She cheerfully told us that she regularly checked her blood pressure and took her medicines everyday as told by the Keystone mobile team, which was a nice surprise to the mobile team. “She looks a lot more positive and healthier than she did before the treatment. It is so important for her to continue receiving the treatment in this project,” said a staff of the mobile team.
●Dr. Tatiana
All these visits in the field are led by the Keystone’s Dr. Tatiana Catarama. She is a kinesiotherapist with a vast experience in approaching people with disabilities and creates unique relationships with patients.
During the first stage – the evaluation, she goes over all medical exams, analysis and previous diagnosis of the patients. After that, she physically assesses them – she checks their abilities to stand, move, walk, etc. She also measures blood pressure, temperature, cardiac rhythm, and take other vital signs. For the second visit, Dr. Tatiana brings the medicines which have been agreed by her, the patient and the family doctor from the region. The patients are again examined in order to track the improvements.
caption: Dr. Tatiana listens to the patient
Being empathic and compassionate, Dr. Tatiana has a special way of connecting with patients and letting them open up to her. An old couple with high blood pressure and cardiac failure told her with tears in their eyes that they were so worried about their son who lives near the Odessa Airport, which could be a target of air raid by the Russian forces. Another woman with heart disease told Dr. Tatiana that she is worried about her nephew who is in the Ukrainian armed forces, while her son is lucky enough to be with her in Moldova.
Each and every one who escaped Ukraine has different stories and backgrounds. We continue to provide customized support for each patient.
This project has been made possible with financial support from Japan Platform and our contributors. We ask for continuous support.