20% increase in infant treatability observed over 2 years due to Neonatal Care project

PanARMENIAN.Net - The results of long-term national project on Neonatal Care implemented by VivaCell-MTS and BirthLink were summed up during Yerevan-hosted conference.

The conference brought together doctors and nurses throughout Armenia, involved in the Neonatal Care project. The conference was part of the long-term cooperation between VivaCell-MTS and UK-based BirthLink to improve the care of sick and vulnerable newborn babies in Armenia.

Kathy Mellor, Director of BirthLink, and Dr. Hrant Kalenterian, Chief Neonatologist of Armenia, presented an overview of the project to date and assessed the achievements of the first two years.

“Project results are quite encouraging: infant mortality rate dropped from 16% to 11%,” VivaCell-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian noted. “With good facilities and equipment, complemented by a program of continuous education and a sound medical knowledge, many of these deaths are preventable as proven by international experience. We are happy that this massive social investment has proven to be justified,” Mr. Yirikian stressed.

In 2008 through 2010, 11 neonatal departments in Yerevan and 7 departments in Armenian regions were provided with AMD 359 million worth equipment.

In 2011, the second phase of the project will be implemented, focusing on more neonatal centers in the regions, where newborn babies with complications can be transferred to from maternity hospitals, for ongoing care.

“Infant mortality is not only a medical issue, it has social aspects as well. Both medical equipment and knowledge of doctors help to solve mortality issues. In past several years, many investments were made in Armenia. Over the last 2 years, the rate of infant treatability increased by 20%. Infants who were previously moved to 3rd level clinics are today getting treated onsite, with infant mortality rate reduced by 20%,” Dr. Kalenterian said.