Due to the extreme decline in the birth rate in Ukraine by a third and the genocide that the Russians have been committing against Ukrainians, the cause of saving every little Ukrainian is taking on special importance.

Every 10th child born in the world is born prematurely, but their number is increasing in Ukraine due to the stresses and traumas of war.Children born before the 30th week of pregnancy are very vulnerable. Such children are born with incompletely formed cardiovascular, digestive, respiratory, and nervous systems. This is one of the main challenges that Ukrainian medicine is very difficult to overcome in conditions of martial law and budget deficit. Doctors during constant air raids and shelling, also have to deal with a shortage of medicines, lack of equipment and sufficient funding.

As of May 2025, at least 1,984 hospitals in Ukraine have been affected by the war since the beginning of the Russian aggression, of which 301 have been completely destroyed. And this is directly reflected in the ability to provide assistance to especially vulnerable patients - such as prematurely born children.That is why a special program "First breath" was launched to fight for the life of every Ukrainian so that the country has a healthy future. The project plans to purchase 150 doses of surfactant, which will help 150 babies confidently take their first breath. Without this medication, the underdeveloped lungs of such babies cannot breathe. But this project is not only about purchasing medicines and equipment, but also about systemic changes in regulatory documents for the care of such babies.

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:

“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.

The program was officially presented at a meeting of the Working Group on Sexual and Reproductive Health. 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. Everyone can make their contribution - from disseminating information to direct participation in reforming the neonatal care system. ZDOROVI calls on local public activists and partners to join forces so that every premature child in Ukraine gets a chance to survive.

‍

‍