The visit of UNICEF’s Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, Regina De Dominicis, and Montenegro’s Minister of Health, Dr Vojislav Šimun, to Cetinje’s maternity ward emphasized the importance of quality antenatal and hospital care for ensuring a healthy start in life.
During the visit, De Dominicis and Dr Šimun interacted with mothers, newborns, and health workers, underscoring Montenegro’s commitment to enhancing maternal and newborn healthcare. They discussed the findings of the third assessment of the Quality of Maternal and Newborn Care in Montenegro, focusing on opportunities to implement new maternal care protocols, enhance skills training for health workers, and improve conditions in healthcare facilities.
Mothers shared their experiences and highlighted the significance of initiatives such as the baby-friendly programme, which promotes immediate bonding between mothers and babies, as well as the involvement of fathers in the early moments after birth.
Regina De Dominicis emphasized that a healthy start in life depends on access to quality healthcare for mothers and babies, applauding the impact of increased investment in maternal and newborn healthcare.
UNICEF continues to collaborate with governments and partners worldwide to ensure affordable, high-quality healthcare for mothers and babies throughout the perinatal period. In Montenegro, the Ministry of Health is prioritizing the improvement of maternal and newborn healthcare, guided by assessments and recommendations provided by UNICEF.
Dr Vojislav Šimun expressed gratitude to UNICEF for its support in enhancing the quality of healthcare in Montenegro, emphasizing the shared goal of promoting the health and well-being of mothers and babies through comprehensive and effective healthcare services.
