In the heart of Kyiv, a maternity hospital has transformed its underground corridors into a sanctuary for new life as conflict rages above. CGTN footage reveals rows of temporary beds lining dimly lit passageways, where mothers recovering from childbirth share cramped spaces with anxious family members. Newborns sleep in improvised incubators or cling to parents offering warmth amid the chaos.
Medical staff describe the challenges of maintaining sterile conditions and adequate power for life-saving equipment while air raid sirens echo overhead. 'Every birth here is an act of defiance,' said one midwife, who asked not to be named for safety reasons. Despite shelling near the hospital last week, 23 deliveries were successfully completed in the underground facility.
This makeshift neonatal unit highlights Ukraine's healthcare resilience, with over 40% of maternity services now operating in underground facilities across conflict zones, according to Ministry of Health estimates. International organizations warn that prolonged displacement could lead to health crises affecting 120,000+ pregnant Ukrainian women due this year.
Reference(s):
Stringer Exclusive: Kyiv's maternity hospital goes underground
cgtn.com
