In times of war, when the birth rate is decreasing and the death rate is increasing, the fight for every Ukrainian becomes even more important. By losing people today, we risk losing the future. We need not only to save the lives of prematurely born children, but also to create conditions for them under which they can grow up to be healthy and strong citizens who will revive our country. That is why ZDOROVI initiated the large-scale project “First Breath” – a national perinatal support program aimed at providing high-quality medical care to prematurely born children, improving the material and technical condition of institutions where babies are born, and improving the regulatory framework in the field of perinatology.

Premature babies, especially those born before 30 weeks of gestation or weighing less than 1500 grams, are at high risk of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), malnutrition, hypothermia, and other critical conditions. The survival of such babies directly depends on the correct treatment tactics: the use of surfactant, n-CPAP therapy, parenteral nutrition, and special heating equipment.

However, the Ukrainian medical system faces a number of challenges:

Drug shortages. Hospitals are not always able to purchase sufficient quantities of surfactant and other critical medications due to financial constraints and imperfect procurement mechanisms.

Outdated equipment. Many facilities lack the necessary respirators, n-CPAP devices, and heating systems, which are critical for nursing infants.

Insufficient training of specialists. Ukraine lacks comprehensive postgraduate training programs for neonatologists and neonatal nurses, which negatively affects the quality of care.

Uncertainty in financing. The current financing system, against the background of a critical decrease in the number of services, may not cover the real needs of hospitals, forcing managers to reduce spending on expensive drugs and equipment.

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How will “First Breath” change the situation?

ZDOROVI has developed a comprehensive action plan to change the situation together with leading neonatologists, state institutions and public organizations.

Main areas of the advocacy campaign:

‍‍1. Changes in state policy. The working group, together with the National Health Service of Ukraine, the Ministry of Health, UNICEF, experts and the public sector, initiates the updating of regulatory documents and the creation of mechanisms for long-term financing of procurement.

2. Procurement of critically needed drugs. The first step is to supply 150 doses of surfactant to perinatal centers, which will help partially cover the current shortage.

3. Training of medical specialists. Development of postgraduate training programs for neonatologists and neonatal nurses will increase the level of medical care.

4. Improving the material and technical base of hospitals. Attracting funding for the purchase of modern equipment is the next stage of the project implementation.

5. Information campaign. Educational initiatives will help draw the attention of society and stakeholders to the problem of survival of premature babies.

The program will contribute to reducing mortality and morbidity among premature babies, providing perinatal centers with necessary drugs and modern equipment, implementing effective training programs for medical specialists, and improving the regulatory framework and financial mechanisms in the field of neonatology.

Leading specialists in the field of neonatology, pediatrics and perinatal medicine were involved in the development of the “First Breath” program. The head of the working group is Iryna Kondratova, advisor to the head of the National Health Service of Ukraine, candidate of medical sciences.

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“Neonatal care is not only a matter of medical standards, but also a strategic task for the country. Prematurely born children, babies with perinatal pathology need long-term medical support and the most modern technologies, and without a proper start, this becomes a difficult challenge for parents, doctors and the state. We must focus the medical system and society on demographic challenges, jointly seek complex solutions, help specialists implement the latest technologies so that the First Breath and the first steps of each Pospishayka are the beginning of a long and worthy life path,” notes Iryna Kondratova.

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The program was officially presented at a meeting of the Working Group on Sexual and Reproductive Health in March 2025. For the effective work of the project, a study of the current situation in specialized medical institutions is being conducted. In parallel, a working group is being formed with the participation of the Ministry of Health, the National Health Service of Ukraine, UNICEF, medical experts and public organizations, and the first round table is planned for April.

Everyone can make their contribution - from disseminating information to direct participation in reforming the neonatal care system. ZDOROVI calls on the public, the medical community and partners to join forces so that every premature child in Ukraine has a chance for a full life.

For cooperation, please contact: v.sereda@zdorovi.agency

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