So Small They Could Fit Inside a Heart
When a baby is born prematurely, every day matters. The first hours, the first breath, the first touch – everything becomes a struggle in which modern equipment, knowledge and the dedication of healthcare workers play a crucial role.
Last year, 58,445 babies were born in Serbia. That is 1,886 fewer than in 2024. This is why it is important that every baby receives the best possible start in life. Preterm birth remains the leading cause of newborn mortality, accounting for 60 per cent of all deaths in the neonatal period and 42 per cent of deaths among children under five.
Improving perinatal and neonatal healthcare therefore remains one of the priorities of the health system. The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Serbia, in long-standing cooperation with UNICEF, continues to improve the quality of perinatal and neonatal healthcare through the introduction of modern standards, procurement of equipment and training of medical professionals.
Through the campaign “So Small They Could Fit Inside a Heart”, which UNICEF in Serbia has been implementing for years with the support of citizens and companies, neonatal intensive care units in Belgrade, Kragujevac, Niš and Novi Sad have been strengthened, and around 10,000 prematurely born babies have received adequate therapy and care. Last year alone, UNICEF supported neonatology services in Serbia with equipment worth around 28 million dinars.
The next goal is to extend this support to other maternity hospitals and neonatal departments across the country, especially in regions where needs are greatest, in order to reduce disparities in access to quality care and ensure equal conditions for every baby.
The campaign plans to procure incubators, resuscitation tables, nasal CPAP devices, gas analysers, aspirators, phototherapy lamps, syringe pumps, pulse oximeters, as well as equipment for family-centred developmental care (armchairs, nests and blankets), with a total value of 30 million dinars.
Modern equipment enables timely and high-quality care in the most sensitive moments. At the same time, developmental care, breastfeeding support and skin-to-skin contact with parents contribute to a baby’s recovery and long-term development.
“Modern equipment, the expertise of doctors and healthcare staff, together with contact between the baby and parents from the very first moments of life, enable babies born prematurely to survive and preserve their vital functions. Together we can ensure that quality neonatal care is available in every part of Serbia and accessible to every baby. Let us join forces for the most vulnerable babies and their parents and show them they are not alone,” said Jelena Kovačević from UNICEF
UNICEF invites citizens and companies to support the campaign and help ensure that maternity hospitals and neonatal departments receive the equipment needed to care for the youngest patients.
Support the campaign “So Small They Could Fit Inside a Heart”. Because every baby deserves a safe start.