The number of violent incidents in the North Caucasus, in the south of Russia, increased in 2010. Most occurred in the Republic of Dagestan, although Ingushetia, Chechnya and Kabardino-Balkaria also saw more deaths as a result of violence. The security problems are affecting the availability of medical care, and poor economic conditions and a shortage of medical staff make the situation more difficult. Médecins Sans Frontières is working to improve access to healthcare across the region.

Supporting victims of violence

In Ingushetia and Chechnya, our team ran a psychosocial support programme for residents and displaced people affected by violence. In 2010, the programme focused on providing counselling services to people living in mountainous areas, where violent incidents are more frequent.

In Dagestan, our staff are working in the city of Khasavyurt, providing general healthcare and counselling services to displaced people and migrants in the market area of the city.

Assisting mothers and children

Since 2005, Médecins Sans Frontières has been operating gynaecological and paediatric clinics in two districts of Grozny, the capital of Chechnya. These clinics focus on providing care for vulnerable groups such as mothers raising large families on low incomes. We also donated drugs and medical supplies to the mother and child centre in Grozny, and to health facilities in Shatoy, Sharoy and Itum-Kale in the south. In August 2010, Médecins Sans Frontières opened gynaecological and paediatric clinics in two rural locations in northern Chechnya (Naursky and Shelkovskoy districts).

Strengthening the Chechen TB programme

In 2010, Médecins Sans Frontières played a stronger role in helping to develop capacity within the Chechen tuberculosis (TB) programme. The main focus was on improving quality in TB dispensaries and laboratories. In 2010, we found significant levels of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) among its patients, so in 2011 we are aiming to expand its programme in Chechnya to include MDR-TB treatment.

Médecins Sans Frontières has worked in the Russian Federation since 1988 and the North Caucasus since 1995.