The Kazakh photographer who covered Covid from a hospital ward

In the summer of 2020, Andrey Khludeyev, a photographer from Kazakhstan, found himself in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic in a way he never expected. At first, Kazakhstan seemed safe from the virus, even though it shares a border with China, where the pandemic began. But everything changed in March 2020 when two Kazakh citizens who had traveled to Germany tested positive for Covid-19. The president quickly declared a state of emergency, and the country began to take the virus seriously. Andrey first heard about Covid-19 from a taxi driver, but he thought it was just a rumor or fake news. He did not believe it was real until he started feeling sick himself. His symptoms were similar to the flu, with a high fever and a cough. When he went to the clinic for tests, the X-ray showed he had pneumonia in both lungs, which is a serious condition. Even though he did not feel very sick, he was told by a friend with medical knowledge that he needed to go to the hospital immediately. Andrey packed his things and went to a hospital in Almaty, where he was treated by a team of doctors and volunteers. The hospital was crowded, and many people were trying to stay safe by isolating themselves. There were no vaccines yet, so everyone was worried about getting sick.

Andrey brought a small Soviet-era camera with him to the hospital. This camera was special because it could take twice as many photos as a regular camera. He wanted to document what life was like inside the hospital during the pandemic. At first, the doctors and patients were unsure about having their pictures taken, but Andrey explained that he was a photographer and wanted to tell their story. Soon, the medical staff started to appreciate his work and even asked him to take their portraits. Over three weeks, Andrey took 72 photos that captured the strange and intense atmosphere of the hospital. The pictures showed doctors and nurses in protective suits, looking almost like they were from another time or place. The hospital itself was old and had not been renovated, which made the photos look even more dramatic. Andrey processed both film and digital images to give them a similar style, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. He wanted people to understand that Covid-19 was not a joke or fake news, but a real threat that required a fight for survival.

After recovering from Covid-19, Andrey looked back at his photos with a sense of nostalgia and gratitude. He was thankful for the doctors, nurses, volunteers, and his own family and friends who supported him during his illness. Many of the medical staff were volunteers who had put their own lives at risk to help others. Andrey felt proud that his photography could show the truth about what happened in the hospital and help people understand the reality of the pandemic. He described his time in the hospital as both terrifying and meaningful, because he was able to do something important with his skills. His story is a reminder of the bravery and dedication of healthcare workers, and the importance of documenting history so that others can learn from it.

Andrey's experience also highlights how quickly life can change and how important it is to appreciate every moment. The pandemic was a difficult time for everyone, but it also brought out acts of kindness and courage. Andrey's photos serve as a powerful record of what happened in Kazakhstan during Covid-19, and his story encourages us to remember the lessons we learned and to be grateful for those who help us in times of need.