This Mothers’ Day My Thoughts are in Nezhin

Until a few days ago, I’ve only heard of Nezhin in a few casual conversations I have had with my colleagues. But that was in another life, before the horrific war unleashed on Ukraine by its “brotherly” neighbors.

Then, last week, this small town suddenly became the key focal point for me and my colleagues at the Rebuilding Ukraine Agency. One of the Agency’s Ukrainian members brought to our attention a situation, which demanded immediate attention. Nezhin’s small-town 30-bed hospital has become the closest destination for the neonatal ICU and complex birthing cases, as the regional hospital in the city of Chernihiv has been destroyed by the bombings. Although Nezhin’s birthing unit was poorly equipped to handle neo natal cases, nothing else was available in the area to replace Chernihiv’s neonatal birthing facilities. The Agency’s team had a Zoom call with the head Ob-Gyn at the site and the horror stories we heard brought tears to everyone who participated on the call.

The Agency’s Healthcare Committee moved into action and within 6 hours set up a team, which would be responsible to fund, acquire and shepherd needed equipment and supplies all the way to the Town of Nezhin and would work with the local doctors and hospital administration to expand the neo-natal and complex birthing unit until the Chernihiv hospital will be rebuilt. Because of the way the Agency is set up, such quick reaction and deployment makes it unique, and allows it to address certain key rebuilding issues ahead of the much needed and much more extensive government, foreign donor and NGO efforts.

Why am I writing this today? Motherhood, on any given day is a special and noble calling, which deseves utmost respect. Motherhood, during the times of war is that much more complex. Giving birth to a new life during war is extremely complex, and stressful. However, giving birth to a premie during war times and not having proper conditions to care for the newborn is unimaginable, unfair and heartbreaking. It is up to all of us not only help Rebuild Ukraine, but also make sure that every newborn in Ukraine has a chance to survive and grow up in a peaceful country, where they can carry on a legacy and culture of its people. Happy Mothers’ Day to all the Moms and a special and heartfelt Happy Mothers Day to all the Mothers of Ukraine!