UNICEF raises USD 440,000 for Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative in RomaniaBucharest, June 11, 2008 – the UNICEF & TVR campaign carried out from May 10 to June 10 raised 440,000 USD for the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative. “With the funds raised, UNICEF will help 25 Romanian maternity hospitals meet the criteria to become Baby-Friendly Hospitals by the end of 2009. This is a first step in the promotion of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life which will result in an entire generation of healthier, happier and smarter children” said Edmond McLoughney, UNICEF Representative in Romania.
The campaign started with the UNICEF Gala, aired live by TVR1 on May 10 with hosts Andreea Marin Bănică, Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF Romania and Cristian Ţopescu. A great number of personalities were present at the Gala to support the campaign. Prominent were President Traian Băsescu, Prime-Minister Călin Popescu Tăriceanu, Minster of Health Eugen Nicolăescu, Under Secretary of State at the National Authority for Children’s Rights Protection, Gabriella Tonk and the Romanian Ambassador to the UN, Simona Miculescu. Along with other well known figures they answered telephones on the TVR set to accept donations from viewers. The funds raised will cover the training of hospital healthcare staff to promote breastfeeding and assist new mothers. Beds for mothers and newborn babies will be provided in order to implement the “rooming in” system; as well as scales, changing tables, and other equipment. Assessments will be carried out to see if hospitals qualify for certification as “Baby-Friendly”. Funds will also be used to develop a “Parent-Friendly Hospital” component involving educational and support activities for parents; strengthening the community nurses network across the country; and raising public awareness on the benefits of breastfeeding.
The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative was launched in 1991 by UNICEF as an effort to turn all maternities into centres that support and promote breastfeeding. Breastfeeding brings unique benefits to children that cannot be replicated by any other type of nutrition. The benefits of mother’s milk are noticeable immediately after birth and they last a lifetime. A breastfed child is healthier and enjoys a better physical, psychological and intellectual development. The mother and baby bonding created by breastfeeding is extremely strong. Moreover, one of the best results achieved by breastfeeding promotion is the decrease of the number of children abandoned in maternities.
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