Following the full-scale invasion, when access to medical services has exponentially decreased for many Ukrainians, mobile gynecological teams emerge as a real long-awaited assistance. The importance of the work of such mobile teams cannot be overstated, as they not only provide medical consultations, but also diagnose and treat diseases at early stages, thus maintaining the health and lives of women.
As many of you might know, UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund in Ukraine, is working on various aspects of sexual and reproductive health among Ukrainians. But do you know what this actually means? For instance, regular medical check-ups conducted by specialists from mobile gynecological teams?
Mobile gynecological teams operate in 23 regions of Ukraine and provide the following services:
- gynecologist examination;
- ultrasound examination;
- electrocardiogram;
- consultation on women's health issues, including ante- and postnatal care, maternal health, breastfeeding, and child care;
- consultation on HIV infection and sexually transmitted diseases;
- free contraception;
- medical and socio-psychological support for victims of domestic and other forms of violence, including those associated with war.
Today, we'll tell the story of a patient of a mobile gynecological team, who, during a consultation, had oncological breast disease promptly detected by the medical staff. Specialists from mobile gynecological teams note that this disease is well treatable at early stages, but it's important not to ignore timely visits to the doctor, especially if you notice any "red flags" regarding your own health.
"I live in a remote village, and it was difficult for me to go to a breast physician because the direct bus to the clinic only ran once a day, and it returned only after an hour. This is one of the reasons why I didn't seek consultations and regular check-ups for so long. How fortunate that mobile gynaecological teams have started working in our region; now we are not left alone with our problems," shares Marina, a patient of the mobile gynaecological team in the Donetsk region.
Marina sought consultation from the mobile gynaecological team on January 9, 2024. During the consultation, a detailed examination of the patient and an ultrasound check were performed, during which a tumor in the breast was detected. Based on the examination results, Marina was referred for further treatment.
"Most forms of cancer can be cured at early stages. As specialists of the mobile gynaecological team, we can provide comprehensive consultations and establish a diagnosis. A significant number of diseases, including oncological ones, can be treated free of charge within the framework of the medical guarantees program," says Oksana, a nurse of the mobile gynaecological team in the Donetsk region.
To learn more about the work of mobile gynaecological teams and barrier-free gynaecological clinics in your region, call our hotline at 3033.
Mobile gynaecological teams and barrier-free access gynaecological offices operate as part of the UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund in Ukraine, humanitarian response activities, with financial support from the European Union, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, Canada, France, and the Republic of Korea.
