The situation with coronavirus in the Republic of Uzbekistan and around the world remains tense. Health workers, many of whom are women, are at the forefront of the fight against the deadly virus. Even if they do not work directly in the foci of infection, with the introduction of restrictive quarantine measures, the burden on them has increased many times, both professionally and socially, since it is women who bear the main burden of household chores, caring for children, the older persons and disabled on their shoulders.

UNFPA conducted Rapid needs assessment (RNA) for female health care workers who are on the frontlines of COVID-19 response with a view to better understand what is happening to women working in the healthcare sector, what do they need first? What difficulties have they encountered and what can the Fund do to start looking for a solution to these problems together?

One of the urgent challenges of HCWs both, at workplace and at homes was the increasing anxiety, burnout syndrome, sleep disturbance, depression due to the COVID 19 emergency. 

As a response measure and proper support of the frintline health workers it was decided to organize psychological support to them.

Given the current situation, and as a response measures to support and provide assistance to medical workers of all levels, the Gender Equality Commission of the Republic of Uzbekistan together with UNFPA and the “NIHOL” NGO Center for Support and Development of Initiatives launched telephone helpline for psychological counceling for medical workers.

Medical workers can reach psychologists according to the followinng numbers:

+998 90 9179949

+99890 9161644

+99 899 8763113

The helpline service operates on condition of anonymity daily from 08:00 to 20:00 in test mode until May 10, 2020. Furtheron, the hours of operation of the helpline will be adjusted in accordance with the needs of users-health workers.