In the framework of the VivaCell-MTS and BirthLink joint project, VivaCell-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian and the Deputy Head of the Institute of Perinatology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Arshak Djerdjerian visited the maternity hospital in Abovyan town of Armenia.

This hospital has received equipment for immediate reanimation and warming of newborns with breathing difficulties, respiratory monitoring, management of jaundice and the provision of intravenous fluids.

“It’s the seventh year of our neonatal project, and its implementation has shown that there is a certain decrease in infant mortality rates. Hand in hand with BirthLink, we have managed to provide equipment to maternity hospitals in various provinces and Yerevan, as well as organized professional trainings for medical specialists in their efforts to fight different complications and diseases and to save the lives of infants,” Yirikian said.

Launched in 2008, the project has supported twelve neonatal departments in Yerevan and twenty-three departments in seven provinces of Armenia with about AMD 535 million of support from VivaCell-MTS.

The ‘Every Newborn’ action plan, led by WHO and UNICEF, believe that nearly 3 million babies and women can be saved each year through investing in quality care around the time of birth and special care for sick and small newborns.

More than 80% of all newborn deaths result from preventable and treatable conditions – in particular complications due to prematurity and infections. Improving quality of care around the time of birth will save most lives, but needs healthcare professionals with good knowledge and well equipped facilities to make the difference.