Profile: Anna Zagainova, Head of the Eastern Siberian Red Cross

Anna Zagainova has worked for the Russian Red Cross in Eastern Siberia for nearly 15 years.

Irkutsk, Siberia, January 18 — Anna Zagainova, representative of the Eastern Siberian Region Red Cross and chair of the Irkutsk Oblast (state) Red Cross, began working for the Russian Red Cross in 1986 — just five years before the breakup of the Soviet Union threw millions of people into poverty, and in desperate need of humanitarian assistance. Zagainova, a doctor of preventative medicine, heads a region where the American Red Cross has helped feed millions of vulnerable people and institutions affected by the 1998 economic crisis. The American Red Cross also has worked with Zagainova and her staff to build a stronger Red Cross branch that can deal with rampant poverty, hunger and disease — all exacerbated by this year's particularly harsh winter temperatures.

Why did you begin working for the Russian Red Cross?

It was by accident. I liked the responsibilities of the job. When I was hired, I was in charge of preventative medicine for the Red Cross. After a year, I had come to love the creative aspect of the job. We at the Red Cross can imagine anything we want, and we can implement our dreams. Everything done here is good because it is done to protect the most precious thing in the world — life. If I ever have to leave my work here, I wouldn't find a better job. I might make more money but my work wouldn't be as satisfying.

How have economic changes since the breakup of the Soviet Union affected the Russian Red Cross?

During the early 1990s, everything in Russia was in the process of breaking down, and the Red Cross was no exception. We lost a lot of volunteers, and nearly all our activities were suspended. It's hard to remember how we even survived. Until the 1990s, the state had supported Red Cross a lot. On the one hand, that was good because government funding allowed for Red Cross activities. On the other hand, it was very bad because the Red Cross was part of the government, which contradicts Red Cross principles. When the government funding was taken away, the Red Cross wasn't ready to stand on its own. It happened so fast. After being given everything by the government, we suddenly had nothing.

Then in 1998, things got worse. There was a financial crisis. That year, the Russian Red Cross had a meeting in Moscow. I remember the words of one of the other chairs. She told us: "Yes, it's very hard, but if the Red Cross can't help all the people who need us, we will die." Red Cross was the only source of assistance Russians had.

In Irkutsk, we were at the center of the event. But there were only three of us still working for the Red Cross here. We had a lot of debt and could do practically nothing to help the people suffering all around us.

Then, there was a tragedy. There was an airplane crash. At first, we had nothing to help - no money, no tents, just containers for hot water. The next day we could hardly believe it: We had clothes, food and money, and a lot of volunteers came to help us. They worked day and night. People came to us because they knew and trusted the Red Cross, and suddenly we understood: We were not as weak as it had seemed.

How has the American Red Cross helped the East Siberian Region of the Russian Red Cross recover from the 1998 economic crisis?

It's very hard for humanitarian organizations to survive in an economic crisis, because it's difficult to find donors. That's why support from the American Red Cross, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and other national societies, is crucial. I'm very happy we have been partners with the American Red Cross. I've realized that the American Red Cross has a genuine interest in helping us. The food distribution program funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture assisted one out of every six people in Irkutsk.

Even more important, the American Red Cross is helping us to be strong and independent by sharing everything they know. It's very precious because if we learn to be independent, we'll be able to do more and the entire Red Cross family will be stronger.

What are the most pressing humanitarian needs in Eastern Siberia?

The need for food among low-income families and children is urgent. Many poor people also need winter clothing, especially winter boots. Children living in rural areas are most in need. Sometimes, parents who have many children can't afford to buy them winter boots, and that's why they don't go to school. There also is a lack of nutrients in many people's diets.

In addition, the Red Cross must take charge of the prevention of tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and drug addiction. The Red Cross won't be able to treat these illnesses, and it's probably not our responsibility. But, we can make a difference by teaching preventative measures, giving people psychological assistance and providing medicine, food and clothes to those who are suffering from disease.

Describe one of your most memorable moments working with the Russian Red Cross.

It was when the head of the local government administration of Siberia's Katansky region called me up and shouted, "They've come! They've come!" He was talking about a group of Red Cross volunteers who had arrived with a truckload of humanitarian aid in the middle of the summer. You see, it's very difficult to reach this area in the summer, when the snow and ice turns to mush, and you can not drive on the roads.

He told me that all the citizens there ran out of their houses and welcomed the Red Cross workers. He had thought that we would not make it there. We had reached a group of people in need that nobody else was able to help. At that moment, I realized that we at the Red Cross are heroes.