By Friends of UNFPA | Friends of UNFPA
Two years into the conflict in Eastern Ukraine, parts of the region still experience heavy, often deadly bombardments with mortars and grenades. Fearing for their safety, thousands have fled non-government controlled areas for governmental-controlled cities. Months after the second anniversary of the conflict, bombardments of the region continue and stability has yet to return despite ceasefire.
In her home town of Makiivka, Eastern Ukraine, Elena, 31, found out she was pregnant with her second child. Fearing for their family’s safety and Elena’s ability to access maternity care, Elena and her husband decided to flee. Reaching the government-controlled city of Kramatorsk, Elena met Dr. Astakhov who had also fled his home. Dr. Astakhov’s clinic, supported by UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, scheduled a necessary Caesarean-section for her delivery—a procedure she likely would not have had access to in Makiivka—and Elena was able to give birth to a healthy boy.
The unstable situation has caused many pregnant women to risk the journey to government-controlled cites, like Kramatorsk, where they can deliver their babies safely and receive official birth certificates. Yet, the conflict has also caused shortages in staff and medical supplies. Fortunately, UNFPA has provided delivery kits to government-controlled parts of Eastern Ukraine that have been used for over 12,000 normal deliveries and 8,500 complicated deliveries.
UNFPA’s clean delivery kits contain basic items necessary for a safe birth, including sterile gloves, a blanket, a plastic sheet, and soap. For only $15 you can help UNFPA provide 3 emergency clean delivery kits to women without access to maternal health services.
Additionally, UNFPA has delivered 38,000 kits for obstetric-gynecologic check-ups, 2.5 million condoms, 40,000 pregnancy tests and two infant incubators, as well as supporting clinics like Dr. Astakhov’s to help more women free of charge. In January, UNFPA successful arranged the first delivery of supplies to non-government controlled territory and is finding opportunities to bring similar supplies to other regions under non-government control.
UNFPA also provides dignity kits to women in disaster. Dignity kits contain items such as underwear, soap, a comb, and feminine hygiene supplies. For $25 you can provide these essential items to a woman for six months.
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