Mastercard, Banca Transilvania and Salvati Copiii Romania are launching the neonatal health program, "We Support the Hardest Beginnings", worth 1.5 million euros, which will run for three years, according to a press release sent to AGERPRES on Thursday.
The project proposes an integrated approach to monitoring and early intervention for premature newborns, structured on three main directions: equipping maternity hospitals with high-performance equipment, continuous training of medical personnel and monitoring children after discharge, by supporting at-risk newborn monitoring centers in five level III maternity hospitals and creating a digital application.
The main objective is to contribute to reducing infant mortality in Romania by improving the care of premature newborns.
"We want the technology and resources we have to always be where they can change lives. This project gives an even stronger meaning to the words innovation and solidarity, proof that when companies, doctors and social organizations work together, they can build a better future for the most vulnerable. For us, supporting the hardest beginnings means investing in hope and in the future," said Cosmin Vladimirescu, general manager of Mastercard Romania and Croatia, quoted in the press release.
Romania continues to have the highest infant mortality rate in the European Union, with 5.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, compared to the European average of 3.3. Approximately 1,000 children under one year of age lose their lives annually, and over 15,000 are born prematurely. Prematurity is the main cause of these losses, exacerbated by the lack of modern medical equipment, the shortage of specialized personnel and the absence of programs for continuous monitoring of difficult cases after discharge.
"Infant mortality is one of the indicators that reflects the health of a country. We support this project precisely because the future must begin with care, solidarity and hope, and we can make this much more relevant in the community, in partnership. Together with Mastercard and Salvati Copiii, we will put together what we have best - resources, expertise, soul and energy - for the children and mothers of Romania. We strongly believe in the importance of supporting these children and their families, both at the beginning of their journey and through multidisciplinary follow-up programs, to ensure the best conditions for healthy development in the first years of life", said, in turn, Oana Ilas, Deputy General Manager Retail Banking, Banca Transilvania.
The program will start in Cluj County and will gradually expand to Iasi, Mures, Timis and Bucharest.
"Every year, thousands of children are born prematurely and need special care from the very first moments. We cannot talk about the future as long as the beginning of life is so fragile. That is why, together with Mastercard and Banca Transilvania, we are building a program that brings not only medical equipment, but also hope, competence and continuity in the care of these children. This program is proof that solidarity and responsibility can change statistics, but, more importantly, can save lives", declared Gabriela Alexandrescu, executive president, Salvati Copiii Romania.
The program provides for the equipment and modernization of maternity hospitals. Thus, the neonatology and pediatric departments will be equipped with modern equipment, essential for saving newborns in critical condition. The targeted maternity hospitals will be equipped to provide specialized care to premature babies and children with complex conditions, ensuring high-quality treatments in critical situations.
There will also be an emphasis on medical training for staff caring for critically ill newborns. The program includes courses in neonatal resuscitation, stabilization in the delivery room, and intensive care, designed to strengthen the skills of medical teams and reduce the risk of death or severe complications.
At the same time, the digitalization of the monitoring system and the consolidation of the newborn at risk follow-up program in level III maternity hospitals will be improved. The health status of the child upon discharge does not always reflect the long-term evolution, especially in the case of premature babies or children with complex pathologies.
The program will support newborn risk monitoring centers in five maternity hospitals, which will ensure the periodic assessment of newborns at risk, in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. At the same time, an innovative digital application will facilitate communication between specialist doctors, family doctors and parents, ensuring efficient follow-up of the child after discharge. This solution contributes to the early identification of possible neurological, respiratory or developmental deficiencies, preventing the occurrence of disabilities and improving the quality of life of children.
Through these actions, the program will improve the quality of medical care for over 1,500 newborns annually and will contribute to the training of over 100 healthcare professionals.
For 35 years, Salvati Copiii Romania has been building social programs, public policies and solid practices for the benefit of children in Romania. Over 4.15 million children have been involved in the organization's programs and campaigns.
Banca Transilvania has over 22% market share, almost five million clients, approximately 10,000 employees, online banking solutions and 530 branches in 180 locations.
Mastercard offers a diverse range of digital payment options.
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