Day by day, a story to better know the commitment of Doctors with Africa Cuamm in responding to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and Moldova. In the following weeks space will be given to multiple voices, protagonists of a journal that aims at witnessing small but concrete actions- not covered by mass media, that every day make a difference to many.
The Moldovan Ministry of Health has asked CUAMM to help with a type 1 emergency medical team in two refugee centers for Ukrainian refugees in Moldova. The first one is accommodating 220 people, mostly of Roma ethnicity, and the second center, a hundred refugees.
12 May - Here, in Chisinau, the need for consolation is exaggerated, mostly hidden behind health problems, which also need proper care.
A gloomy climate. A palpable tension. The worry that permeates every moment of the day. Waiting to see what will happen on 9 May. In the hope that Moldova, with the situation in Transnistria, will not be the next target.
There is always a line of people waiting for the delivery of food. Cell phones ring constantly, with every possible request. We are left with the feeling of a society that wants to resist and insists on living in a normal way, but at the same time, is ready for any change, for the worse.
Ukrainian women decide to prepare Easter lunch. They cook, mix and fry together while listening to traditional music. A beautiful sun is shining outside, but in the heart there is now only darkness.
In Chernivsti a long queue of people has formed. There wasn't one a month ago, when I came here for the first time. They are waiting, silently, without complaining, patiently, to receive a bag with some food and personal hygiene products. There is a sort of embarrassment in their eyes about being guests in a new city.
Life must go on. Many other people, internally displaced, help as they can. Someone is in charge of receiving, sorting and sending humanitarian aid; there are people singing and playing in the streets; others are collecting money to support the country...
The first CUAMM doctor arrives in Chinisau. His task is to start the outpatient clinic for the first response health support for refugees at the reception center.
What is their greatest need? To get medicines, because supply chains have been interrupted, factories have been destroyed, production blocked, and transportation routes broken. This is our first undertaking as CUAMM.
Now that life has been put on hold, ordinary activities have stopped and days are marked by curfew times, everyone has made themselves available to support their country and the people who need help most.