FIGHTING EPIDEMICS IN ULYANOVSK REGION DURING THE GREAT PATRIOTIC WAR

Using the example of Ulyanovsk region, the article examines the activities of Soviet healthcare in the fight against infectious diseases during the Great Patriotic War. The purpose of the publication is to study the development of the sanitary service, the experience of interaction between Soviet, party authorities, medical institutions and the local population on the issue of preserving the epidemiological well-being in Ulyanovsk region during the war period. At present, when the issue of finding new methods of combating a new coronavirus infection remains open, it is relevant to study the experience of the USSR healthcare in minimizing the harmful effects of infectious and acute infectious diseases common at that time. During the indicated period, it was possible to prevent mass epidemics on the front line and in the rear regions, with the exception of certain local seasonal foci of diseases. The author shows the main directions and specific actions of the Soviet leadership to carry out anti-epidemic measures on the example of Ulyanovsk region sanitary service during the war period for the main groups of diseases. Anti-epidemic measures covered all major groups of the population – workers and employees of industrial enterprises, students and pupils of organized children’s groups, the sick and wounded soldiers of the Red Army who passed treatment in hospitals, as well as the evacuated population from the frontline territories. In order to identify the foci of diseases, household rounds were carried out. When a disease was detected, the patient was isolated. Special attention was paid to maintaining cleanliness and order in public places. Thus, the complex of anti-epidemic measures carried out by Ulyanovsk region sanitary service contributed to containment of infections growth during this period.