Medical supplies are donated to the University Clinical Center of Kosovo

24 April, 2018, Prishtina

Today medical supplies were donated at the University Clinical Center of Kosovo which will be used to meet the needs of mothers and children. This donation has been made possible through the successful and continuous cooperation between Action for Mothers and Children and the International Organization Direct Relief. The value of this contingent that arrived today was about 330,000 dollars.
“We, as an organization, are committed to provide our help in saving the lives of our mothers and children and always focus on solving the problems addressed by these three clinics. The need for medication is permanent at all levels of health care and we believe that sustainable cooperation with international organizations dedicated to meeting the medical needs of the population in developing countries is more important, “said Dorina Grezda from Action for Mothers and Children

Direct Relief is a non-profit organization in USA, and works to support activities of its partners, providing essential materials and medical equipment to developing countries. The arrival of this life-saving medicament in Kosovo has been made possible by the charity events held in 2017 as ‘Let’s Dance’ in Prishtina, ‘Meet Us Halfway’ in New York, USA and the ‘Diaspora Dinner’ in Switzerland.

1,506.26 Euros donated for mothers and children’s healthcare

April 16, 2018, Prishtina

1,506.26 Euros were donated by Meridian Express for Action for Mothers and Children to support the organizations programs for child health improvement. The campaign “Buy Schärf products to contribute for children” was held during March, marking March as the month of mothers and children healthcare in the country.

The campaign “Buy Schärf products to contribute for children” is a continuation of Meridian Express projects and initiatives to support children’s health in the country. We will continue in the future with new ideas and projects to help such causes. We would like to thank all the customers who contributed while buying the Scharf brand products, “said Yllka Mustafa, Manager for Public Relations & Advertising at Meridian Express.

This campaign was based on Schärf tea and coffee where for every product ordered by the customer, 10% of the value was donated to mothers and children. These donations will fund the health programs of the foundation which will help the Neonatology, Gynecology and Pediatric Clinic.

“Many companies and individuals are joining our mission by organizing campaigns or events to raise funds. Some of the events that are being held for several years now are the annual Charity Invitational golf event at the Burning Tree Country Club in Greenwich, Cycle Kosovo for Children in Kosovo, Runner for Hearts campaign and Bake Sale at Bentley Wood High School in London. The improvement of the health of mothers and children is not just the mission of our foundation, but everyone’s mission, so we invite you to join us with your ideas and opportunities, “said Janina Mehmeti, Fundraising Coordinator at Action for Mothers and Children.

Save the Date for the Fundraising Reception ‘Save a Life’

Save the Date to join us in an evening of philanthropy in the beautiful city of Zürich, Switzerland, to help save the lives of mothers and children in Kosovo. The fundraising event is going to be held in Marriott Hotel Zürich on 12 May 2018 from 19:00 – 22:00.

The event is organized by  ‘Action for Mothers and Children (AMC)’ and the Event Co-Chairs Agron Abrashi, Bardhyl Coli, Ridvan Murati and we all have the pleasure of inviting you to join our Fundraising Benefit : Save a Life

The evening will include Music, Networking, Hors d’oeuvres and also a Silent Auction. Our star Elina Duni is going to perform during the event to make your night unforgettable.

All ticket sales will benefit Action for Mothers and Children in support of its health programs in Kosovo, specifically in: medical supplies, supporting the arrival of Survanta medication, scaling the neo-natal transportation system, expanding the services of Women’s Health Resource Centers, and Cervical Cancer Screening.

Simulation training for the Neonatal Transport System program are happening this week!

03 April 2018, Prishtina

Simulation training’s for the medical staff in the Neonatal Intensive Care units at UCCK, Prishtina, and regional hospitals in Peja, Gjakova and Gjilan are happening this week. These simulation training’s are contributing to a safe transportation for the newborn from the regional hospitals to the Neonatology Clinic in Prishtina.

The expert team from Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in US are now in Kosovo to be part of the simulation training’s for safe newborn transport from the regional hospitals to the hospital in Prishtina.

“We are grateful to the Dartmouth team of experts and Action for Mothers and Children that always help us in our service-enhancing initiatives for our babies. This is a new service at our clinic and we are aiming to make this a healthcare model for newborn transportation  from regional hospitals to our clinic in UCCK” said Dr. Xhevdet Gojnovci, the director of Neonatology Clinic, Prishtina.

This program was initiated by the Neonatology Clinic in Prishtina and supported by the Ministry of Health, Solidar Suisse and the organization Action for Mothers and Children.

AMC donated Pap-Test materials for the Institute of Pathology Anatomy

30 Mars 2018, Prishtinë

Today, Action for Mothers and Children donated Pap- Test materials for the Institute of Pathology Anatomy of the Clinical Center University of Kosovo. This donation was part of the Cervical Cancer Screening Program.

The Cervical Cancer Screening Program started in 2016 and its aim was piloting the cervical cancer screening within 3 Family Medicine Centers in Prishtina, and carrying out screening in approximately 2,000 women in this municipality, and developing the action plan for the municipality to make human and financial planning to build the screening program at the national level.

In 2016, this pilot project enabled for the first time the implementation of screening program at primary health care level and regulation of cooperation with the level of tertiary care, or the Institute of Pathological Anatomy at the University Clinical Center of Kosovo. With the dedication of the medical staff at the primary level, the project has enabled the training of 7 family medicine specialists in Prishtina to perform the Pap tests.

The successful realization of the project was made possible thanks to the cooperation between the Municipal Directorate for Health and Social Welfare of the Municipality of Prishtina, the National Board for Cancer Control, the Ministry of Health, the Main Family Medicine Center in Prishtina, the Institute of Pathology Anatomy of the Clinical Center University of Kosovo, United Nations Population Fund – UNFPA, World Health Organization – WHO, 700 for Science Foundation and Action for Mother and Children Initiative.

The Canadian Ambassador Daniel Maksymiuk visits the Women’s Health Resource Center ‘Mother’s Classes’

March 22, 2018 Prishtina

Today, the Canadian Ambassador Daniel Maksymiuk visited the Women’s Health Resource Center – ‘Mother’s Classes’ in the Gynecology / Obstetrics Clinic at the University Clinical Center of Kosovo, where present was also the Minister of Health, Uran Ismaili .

‘Mother’s Classes’ is one of the programs of the Foundation ‘Action for Mothers and Children’, where the main purpose of this program is to educate women starting from family planning , early pregnancy through delivery and early post-partum period. Access to information remains crucial for a healthy pregnancy and healthy newborns. Women in this center receive pre and post-natal counseling information, also information about postnatal depression, breastfeeding, newborn care, baby nutrition, immunization, and child care.

In order to expand the Mother’s Classes Educational Curriculum, Action for Mothers and Children has been eligible to receive a grant from Canada Funds for Local Initiatives / CFLI. Thanks to this grant, the Mother’s Classes Educational Curriculum has expanded with the topic ” Nutrition and Obesity for Children 0-5 Years”. This development responds to the needs of many women and their partners in terms of the dilemmas associated with adequate nutrition for different ages, the risks of bad-nutrition, obesity prevention, and other topics related to nutrition and obesity. The grant also enabled the capacity building of primary health care staff for the mentioned subject, where 70 health workers were trained with a program accredited by the Ministry of Health in Kosovo. With the information received during the training, the counseling will be expanded to the Mother Classes, aiming to increase the number of beneficiaries of these classes.

The classes aim to raise awareness among mothers of how children’s nutrition reflects their overall health status, emphasizing that for each child, a variety of foods should be offered to their child for their growth and development.

Scampa donates 10,000 units of plastic bags for the Teshavesha stores

March 9, 2018, Prishtina –

The second-hand charity shop ‘Teshavesha’ is now operating in two places in the city of Prishtina thanks to the continued support of donors and citizens. For over two years now, Scampa has been Teshavesha’s faithful partner and donor, for the third time this year donating an amount of 10,000 units of plastic bags to support the operations and activities of the two stores.

Scampa is an industrial producer of plastic bags which operates since the year 2007. After several years of operation and major investments in equipment and staff, the factory has increased capacity to supply Kosovo market, as such to become known for its products of biodegradable plastic bags. Scampa’s significant contribution helps support the healthcare programs of the Foundation.

Teshavesha charity shops accept and sell second-hand clothes from citizens, while the revenue funds projects for mothers and children’s health, such as: purchase of medications and medical equipment, development of the neonatal referral system,and expanding the services of women’s health resource centers “Mother’s Classes”.

Meridian Express launches a fundraising campaign “Buy Schärf products to contribute for children”

1 Mars, 2018, Prishtinë –

Today starts the fundraising campaign “Buy Schärf products and contribute for children” organized by Meridian Express for Action for Mothers and Children.The campaign that starts today will last 1 month, until 31 March 2018.

During the campaign Meridian Express is going to sell Schärf tea and coffee where for every product ordered by the customer, 10% of the value will be donated to mothers and children. These donations will fund the health programs of the foundation such as: providing life-saving medication for babies ‘Survanta’, developing transport for newborns, and developing the ‘Mothers Classes’.

Schärf coffee and tea are both known for the special taste and aroma, which you can take with you or drink in any of the Meridian Express stores. The places where you can enjoy Schärf tea and coffee are the Meridian Express stores: St.Ekrem Rexha (afër Komunës së re) St. Rruga B (Mat), St.Ali Pashë Tepelena (Aktash), St.Gazmend Zajmi, Marigona Residence, St. Nazim Gafurri, ( Gërmi)

By experiencing the wonderful taste of the coffee and tea, you will also donate for a good cause which is to save the lives of mothers and children. Action for Mother and Children thanks Meridian Express for co-operation and the ongoing support, and also the community that makes possible the campaign’s success while buying Schärf products.

The CRP equipment is donated to the Neonatology Clinic in Peja

Peja, 16 February 2018

Today, Action for Mothers and Children, together with the organizers of “Cycle Kosovo for Children” delivered the equipment of C-reactive protein (CRP) and Hemogram at the Neonatology Clinic – a device needed to improve and save the lives of babies in the Neonatology Clinic in Peja.

The equipment is necessary to determine the level of CRP in the blood, which help to diagnose infection, the need for antibiotic treatment, and the time when it is necessary to stop antibiotherapy. The device will impact on improving the efficiency of the Clinic services and save the lives of newborn babies.

International Cancer Day- I Can, We Can!

In the round table organized by the National Board for Cancer Control in honor of the Cancer Day – February 4th, the Screening program of cervical cancer in the Municipality of Prishtina was presented among many other presantations. The pilot project for cervical cancer screening started in 2016, and was then integrated as a regular service in three family medicine centers in 2017. The presentation of the data and  the success of this program was made by the program coordinator of the cervical cancer screening program Dr. Erzen Begolli.

The screening project is continuing to be implemented successfully, where from 2016 up to now over 3000 women have made the PAP test.

This program, which is at the same time one of the priorities of the health strategy in Kosovo, was coordinated by the foundation Action for Mothers and Children and was launched thanks to the dedication and inter-institutional cooperation between the Municipal Directorate for Health and Social Welfare in Prishtina, Ministry of Health, Institute of Pathological Anatomy at UCCK, Center for Women’s Welfare in the Main Family Medicine Center in Prishtina, Family Medicine Center Nr. 5 and the Family Medicine Center No. 6 in Pristina, as well as the National Institute of Public Health in Kosovo. The program was initially and consistently supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Kosovo Office and the World Health Organization.

Meet our new Board leadership

We are pleased to announce our new Chair of the Board, Valon Xharra and our new Vice-Chair of the Board, Ilir Hoxha.

Valon Xharra is a Senior Vice President for the global risk management firm Gavin de Becker & Associates. Based in Los Angeles, Valon provides specialized crisis management consultation for Fortune 500 companies and advises them on how to manage political and operational risks. Valon earned a Master’s degree in International Affairs from Columbia University and a MBA from Boston University.  He is a Fellow at the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation and the Pacific Council on International Policy.

Ilir Hoxha is Medical Doctor, researcher and consultant from Kosovo. He holds a Medical Studies degree from University of Prishtina and Master of Science degree in Health Systems Management from London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.  In addition to work with a number of international organizations such as The World Bank, UNICEF, UNFPA, German Technical Cooperation, USAID in Kosovo, he has also been part of number of civil society initiatives in the country, among others, at the Institute for Advanced Studies GAP, Balkan Investigative and Reporting Network, Prishtina Institute for Political Studies, Kosovo Action Network and Center for Advanced Studies. Today he works with for SOLIDAR Suisse as project advisor to the health dialogue program and acts as board member at the American University in Kosovo.

We are thrilled to have Valon and Ilir to contribute to the growth and development of ‘Action for Mothers and Children’ with their experience.  For a full list of AMC’s Board of Trustees, please visit our website at http://amchealth.org/who-we-are/board-of-directors/

Mr. Michael Gold, our newest Honorary Board Member of Action for Mothers and Children

Prishtina, 16 January 2018

We are pleased to announce our newest Honorary Board Member, Michael Gold.  Michael is the Managing Director of Crimson Capital, a leading international investment bank and management consulting firm, which is also one of our partners and donors for years now. As Managing Director of Crimson Capital, Michael oversees all of Crimson’s international development work, including a portfolio of 18 current projects and 5 master contracts on four continents.  He holds an Executive Management degree from UCLA, and a B.A. in biochemistry and physiology from Kalamazoo College in Michigan.

Michael Gold is a seasoned investment and commercial banker and management consultant with over 39 years of experience, the last 24 years of which have been resident in the emerging markets of Central and Eastern Europe, the Balkans, Africa, Asia, Latin America and the former Soviet Union. His specializations include increasing access to finance, competitiveness, privatization, foreign direct investment, trade, SME development, and legal and regulatory reform.

We are thrilled to have Michael contribute to the growth and development of ‘Action for Mothers and Children’ with his rich and eclectic experience.  For a full list of AMC’s Board of Trustees, please visit our website at http://amchealth.org/who-we-are/board-of-directors/

Thank-you Note for our Donors

We want to use this time of the year to thank all our donors who helped and supported us in order to fulfill our mission.

Thanks to our donors, in 2017 we:

-Delivered 204 vials of Survanta medication in Neonatology Clinic covering national need;

-Delivered 180 units of Minastrin medication at Gynecology Clinic;

-Delivered 470 units of Afatinib medication at the Oncology Clinic;

-Furnished Gynecology/Obstetric Clinic with medications valuing $240,000 to respond to immediate patient needs;

-Opened 3 additional Women Health Resource Centers established in Kacanik, Prizren, and Peja, the only centers where women and their partner can get antenatal evidence-based counseling which in turn helps mother deliver healthier babies. 3000 women attending WHRC – Mothers’ Classes – were better prepared to give birth;

-Delivered 5 cardio-pulmonary monitors at the Neonatology Clinic, which measure heart and breathing rates in babies. 3,600 babies per year receive treatment with the medication and equipment made possible through AMC;

-Established 1 additional social enterprise, expanding thus our “Teshavesha” chain of thrift shops. More than 400 citizens a month visit our store to donate and buy our items in support of our programs;

-Ensured that the free Pap-smear tests to prevent Cervical Cancer among women are offered as a regular free service within primary care in Prishtina. 2000 women per year benefit from free Pap-smear tests through this program;

-Gave tailored training in critical diagnosis to more than 100 tertiary health care workers;

-Launched the mobile app “NANA” to extend digital educational services and support to our mothers;

-Introduced the Positive Parenting Discipline as part out health educational services with the goal of informing and training parents with methodologies of raising children without punishment and violence;

-Launched the online platform of sexual and reproductive health as part of our activities with K10 Coalition, which mobilized 10 organizations towards the common goal of improving sexual and reproductive healthcare in the country;

-Supported our healthcare institutions to ensure employ a transportation team, develop national guidelines, and ensure the auto ambulance for national baby transportation system to start officially next year. More than 300 babies annually are transported from other hospitals to Prishtina’s main hospital without using proper means of transportation and putting their lives at risk;

-Brought the 3rd “Let’s Dance” event gathering more than 400 supporters in a dance floor to have fun while supporting our cause and raising around Eur 24,000;

-Mobilized our friends in Zurich, Switzerland to support maternal and child health in Kosovo, raising around CHF 10,000;

-Hosted our 2nd “Meet Us Halfway” event in New York raising Diaspora money to support mothers and children of Kosovo, and raised around $ 45,000.

All of these would have not been possible without all of our donors and we want to thank you for helping us make a positive difference. Your support encourages our continued commitment to reaching our goal. Click here to see our List of Donors.

If you want to be a part of our success in 2018, click ‘DONATE’ in order to help mothers and children.

The implementation of the cervical cancer screening program is continuing successfully in the Municipality of Prishtina 

Survanta medication was delivered today at the Neonatology Clinic, UCCK

-Prishtina, 19 December 2017

Today in the Neonatology Clinic in the University Clinical Center of Kosovo was supplied with the Survanta medication, a donation made possible through the successful and continuous cooperation between the foundation Action for Mothers and Children and the international organization AmeriCares . More than 200 bottles of medication were donated.  This amount simultaneously covers the annual supply need with this lifesaving medicament.

Babies that experiencing respiratory problems, is because of the lack of survanta – a liquid layer inside the lungs. Babies usually do not start the production of survanta until a few weeks after they are born. When there is no sufficient amount of survanta the lungs collapse and premature babies can not breathe. Therefore, survanta is essential in preventing and treating RDS (Respiratory Distress Syndrome) and reduces the mortality rate caused by RDS. Over the past 10 years, the donations of Survanta have saved the lives of 1,800 premature babies in Kosovo.

The arrival of this life-saving medicament in Kosovo has been made possible by the charity events held in 2017 as ‘Let’s Dance’ in Prishtina, ‘Meet Us Halfway’ in New York, USA and the ‘Diaspora Dinner’ in Switzerland.

‘Designers Week’ this year held in Albi Mall

Prishtina, December 13, 2017,

For the end of year holidays, the charity shop ‘Teshavesha’, with the support of the faithful partner, Albi Group organizes the ‘Designers’ Week’ with the creators: Agnesa Vuthaj, besë, Enkelejda Shatri, Krenare Rugova, Teuta Matoshi Duriqi and YIlka Brada, which begins on the 13^th of December on the second floor in Albi Mall.

For the fourth time in a row, the Kosovar designers gather to give their contribution to improve the health of mothers and children in the country through the donations of their creations for ‘Designer’s Week’. After exhibiting the creations at Albi Mall’s mall, these donations will be on sale at cheaper prices for the customers that may be interested.

Funds from the sales of these creations will fund the supply of the Clinic of Gynecology and Pediatrics with medications, will help open and develop ‘Classes for Mother’ and will help develop neonatal transport in the country.

Teshavesha is a social enterprise established by the foundation ‘Action for Mothers and Children “since June 2016, which already operates two stores in the city, thanks to the loyal customers and partners.

End of Year Letter

Prishtina, 12 December, 2017

Dear friend,

As a loyal supporter of Action for Mothers and Children, you may not realize how much your support really means to the premature babies, traumatized mothers, ill children, and all other families in pain.

One of the babies we helped this year is Adora. Adora is born in February of this year and weighted only 870 grams at birth. The survival of infants is determined by their gestational age and weight. Babies born under 1000 grams have lower chances of survival than babies born on term. Adora was immediately admitted at the Neonatology Intensive Care Unit and stayed in the incubator for weeks. While in the incubator, Adora used Surfactant medication; received treatment via oxygen system; her heart and breathing rates were constantly monitored via cardiopulmonary monitors and her blood samples were taken right at the incubator using the CRP/CBC equipment – all made possible by you. Adora’s mom was offered counseling on breastfeeding and post-partum depression at our Women’s Health Resource Center – made possible by friends and supporters like you. Adora’s mom was also counseled to do free Pap-smear tests that prevent her cervix to develop cancer – made possible through our donors and friends. As Adora is growing every day, her mom is donating her unused clothes to our Teshavesha store, where they are sold and recycled while generating additional funding to support children in need.

Thanks to your support, we have established this effective cycle of interventions in maternal and child health so that every program alleviates our everyday fight to lower maternal and child mortality rates in the country. But as long as mothers and children die or suffer from conditions that are preventable and treatable, there’s more work to do.

Today we are reaching out to let you know about our plans in 2018 and remind you about our end-of-year gift to AMC. You can make a meaningful impact for our country’s most disadvantaged groups – mothers and children.

With your donation today, in 2018 we will:

–Continue the delivery of Survanta medication to cover the national need for premature babies who need surfactant;

-Deliver CRP/CBC equipment to Peja hospital which is essential in conducting blood analysis right at baby’s incubator instead of outside the clinic.

-Deliver other medical supplies and equipment for maternity wards around Kosovo;

–Expand the transportation of babies from regional hospitals to Prishtina. Up to date, parents deliver babies for advanced treatment using their private cars, due to lack of a neonatal referral system and makes it difficult for many babies to survive;

–Continue providing and expanding free services of Women’s Health Resource Center so that more women have access to evidence-based information as well as extend the digital services of these centers which are proving to help mother deliver healthier babies;

-Further increase the reach of services to families for positive parenting so that our future leaders are raised with positive attitude and understanding;

–Expand our cervical cancer screening program in a primary care center outside Prishtina and increase the number of women benefiting from free Pap-tests, while advocating on setting up the national cervical cancer screening program in Kosovo;

–Advocate for reproductive health services and rights and awareness through Coalition K10, a unified group of 10 stakeholders of the common goal;

–Expand our social enterprise, Teshavesha, so that we promote green enterprises by recycling second hand clothing, employ marginalized women, and generate more funding to support children of Kosovo;

-Bring you creative annual fundraising activities, such as, Cycle Kosovo for Children, Let’s Dance, Teshavesha, and Meet Us Halfway, Europe Metropol Benefit, and more where we can all together save the lives of mothers and children in Kosovo and continue to do good.

We thank you humbly for your support this year and look forward to continued partnerships in the years ahead.
Best wishes for this holiday season!

The Round Table on C-section rates in Kosovo is held 

-Prishtina, December 07, 2017

The round table on Cesarean birth deliveries in Kosovo was held today with healthcare professionals, policymakers and civil society representatives, organized by Action for Mothers and Children and Solidar Suisse.

In the last decade, Caesarean births have been growing steadily in Kosovo, with percentage increase from 7.5 to 27.3% for the years 2000 to 2015. The current rate overpasses the international recommendations. The factors increasing C-section rates include health system factors ranging from micro, meso and macro levels of our healthcare.

Our panelist, Prof. Dr. Sejdullah Hoxha, gynecologist, said that “compared to the pre-war period, the role of midwives in patient education has been disempowered, thus in many cases the patient insists on cesarean birth due to lack of information.” Dr.Hoxha at the same time emphasized that Cesarean rates can be reduced if we work in strengthening the cooperation between the Association of Gynecologists, the Midwives Association and the Association of Anesthesiologists in the country.

Mrs. Magbule Elezi, Head of the Midwives Association, also emphasized the importance of building infrascrutcutres that encourage midwife-patient communication, as the asymmetry of information is leading patients towards uninformed decisions on birth delivery modes.

Prof. Dr. Ilir Hoxha from Solidar Suisse, who is also a researcher of systemic factors in clinical procedures, listed the factors that are causing the increase of Ceasarean section rates which range from hospital status, possession of private health insurance of the patient, patient’s socio-economic status, asymmetry of information, and hospital supplies. “Evidence shows that the private hospital statute is positively correlated with the C-section rates as well as patient’s possession of private health insurance.” Dr. Ilir Hoxha concluded his presentation pointing out that unnecessary clinical procedures, such as Cesarean procedures, that are more expensive, cause a financial burden in healthcare systems and unnecessary expenses that could otherwise be reallocated for quality improvement of healthcare.

Dr. Sami Uka, from the World Health Organization – WHO, spoke on the importance of national guidelines and standardized protocols and their implementation in the system. Dr. Uka also recommended the adoption of a monitoring tools developed by WHO for accurate and transparent evaluation of protocol implementation, which has also been recommended to the Ministry of Health.

Mr. Agron Bytyqi, from the Patients Rights Association, mentioned some of the categories of patients complaints, pointing out inefficient and delayed clinical services, referrals from public to private hospitals for clinical procedures, and poor doctor-patient communication. He also emphasized the commercialization of Cesarean deliveries from private hospitals in the country providing financial incentives to women and girls which affects hence maternal choice for C-section.

Birth deliveries via Ceasarean section have short and long term health consequences for mothers and children, sush as possible surgical complications, need for neonatal intensive care, as well as unnecessary financial costs compared to normal deliveries.

Congratulations to Raiffeisen Bank Kosova for winning the FIDES Award!

-Prishtina, November 30, 2017

We are honored to share with you this congratulatory announcement for our partner and donor Raiffeisen Bank in Kosovo on the occasion of receiving the FIDES award for the philanthropic contribution at the national level. Raiffeisen Bank officially acknowledged this presidential award, which is part of the Forum for Civic Initiatives – FIQ, which rewards the work and philanthropic effort of institutions, businesses, diaspora and individuals in Kosovo.

Earlier this year, we signed a cooperation agreement with Raiffeisen Bank for cooperation in the maternal and child health sector, which this year resulted in the opening of the second ‘Teshavesha’ charity store and the opening of the “Mother’s Classes” Information Center in Peja.

Teshavesha is a social enterprise that collects secondary clothes from citizens and institutions and sells them to raise additional funds to help mother and child health in Kosovo. This store also employs marginalized women and girls at the same time and since the opening more than 400 citizens a month are mobilized to donate and buy at Teshavesha. Meanwhile, the Women Resource Center now called “Mother Classes”, is a primary health education program that provides free counseling services to women and girls and their partners about pregnancy, childbirth, baby care and growth of the child with positive discipline methods. Days ago was opened the 8th Info Center in Peja, where it is the first in the Dukagjini region, made possible thanks to Raiffeisen Bank in Kosovo.

FIDES is a symbol of public gratitude for companies and individuals from Kosovo and diaspora who have systematically and sensitively supported the environment, culture and traditional values ​​have supported activities and projects of common interest.

The Online Platform of K10 Coalition is now launched

-Prishtina, November 30, 2017

The K10 Coalitions activities will now be available on the online platform, which was launched yesterday. This platform will provide more information about K10 activities, events, sexual and reproductive health information, as well as various materials regarding different topics. In addition, this platform will serve as a bridge for members of the coalition and their activities.

The members of the K10 Coalition are:  Action for Mothers and Children (AMC), Artpolis, Association for Health Education and Development (AHED), Health for All, Jeta/Vita – The Kosovar Center for Fighting Breast Cancer, Kosovo Population Foundation (KOPF), Kosovo Women’s Network(KWN), Peer Educators Network,(PEN) The Association for Kosovar Adolescents (ShkoPaMsha), and The Association for Patients’ Rights in Kosovo (PRAK).

You can visit the platform by clicking the button below ‘ K10 Platform’

Special thanks goes to our donor United Nations Population Fund , without which the launch of the online platform would not be possible.

New Resource Center “Mother’s Classes” opens up in Peja

– November 29, 2017

Today, at an official ceremony, the doors of the Women’s Health Resource Center “Mother’s Classes” were opened in Peja, at the Main Family Medicine Center ,the Emergency Facility – the Vaccination Center. This initiative has been made possible thanks to the cooperation of the Department of Health and Social Welfare of Peja, Main Family Medicine Center  and Action for Mothers and Children.

Dr. Petrit Loci, director of the health department in Peja , said that “we are very happy that our community is adding this service to mothers and children.” Thanking donors and organizers, Dr. Dukagjin Sahatciu pledged that this center will be used for the education of mothers and their partners for
the premature birth, pregnancy, and child care.

The presence of Mr. Gazmend Muhaxheri, Mayor of the Peja, honored the ceremony and made the official ribbon cut.

Meanwhile, the representative of Action for Mothers and Children, Albiona Beha, stated that the establishment of the Center in Peja marks the 8th point or the 7th municipality that incorporates the educational program of centers as part of the day care service for mothers and children health at the primary level. The “Mother’s Classes” Center in Peja will provide educational services, physical and psychological wellbeing activities for women as well as their partners, counseling about raising the child through positive disciplines. these activities are developed in a modern, multi-color interactive environment.

The Information Center in Peja is open every day for all women and girls of Peja Municipality, as well as their partners. The schedule of the sessions will be published in QKMF in Peja, on the website of Action for Mothers and Children and on the group of the Center on the Social Media.

This year the Women’s Health Resource Center “Mother’s Classes” were opened also in Kaçanik and Prizren, and years ago in Prishtina, Ferizaj, Shtërpcë and Mitrovica.

The opening of the center today was made possible by Raiffeisen Bank in Kosovo, also a partner of our foundation.

This program. is also supported by Solidar Suisse, in the framework of Kosana project in Kosovo.

James C. Strickler, MD, and George A. Little, MD, FAAP Receive the Lifetime Contribution Award

New York City, 23 November,2017

Action for Mothers and Children presents the first ever ‘Lifetime Contribution Awards’ to James C. Strickler, MD, and George A. Little, MD, FAAP, at a special ceremony held at the Yale Club of New York City.

Awards were presented by AMC Honorary Trustee, Richard Lukaj, founder and Managing Partner of The Bank Street Group LLC. Lukaj commended Strickler’s work in the Republic of Kosovo as well as his dedication in helping co-found Action for Mothers and Children.

Strickler, former Dean of Dartmouth Medical School, established the International Rescue Committee’s first health unit to provide medical care to refugees and conflict-affected peoples, which now serves Africa, Asia, and Europe. Later in his career, Strickler initiated the Dartmouth-Kosovo Project, which has aided thousands of refugees after the Balkan war.

Upon receiving his award, Strickler commended the work and contribution of Little in the Republic of Kosovo and to AMC in the past years.

Little is an emeritus professor of pediatrics and emeritus professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, and the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock (CHaD). He is a neonatology pioneer, becoming New Hampshire’s first neonatologist and setting up the first neonatal intensive care unit in northern New England. Today, Little is crucial in developing the first Neonatal Referral System in the Republic of Kosovo.

The Lifetime Contribution Award (LCA) recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to ‘Action for Mothers and Children’ through the dedication of their professional life to the development of AMC. The prize recognizes outstanding individuals who have played a major role in the introduction, growth and development of revolutionary programs with the organization at a national and international level.

$ 41,395.00 were raised at the annual event of ‘Action for Mothers and Children ‘ at Yale Club in New York

-New York, November 10, 2017

The Foundation Action for Mothers and Children (AMC) from Prishtina, Kosovo, held its second charity evening in United States at Yale Club in New York City on 8^th of November 2016.

Many supporters of AMC work gathered to make this evening a success. With over 70 guests from business, culture, politics and arts, the highlight of the evening were the speeche given by the Virginia Apgar Award Winner, George A. Little, and other influential people such as the businessman’s Richard Lukaj, Bekim Ahmetaj and Valon Xharra.

The Speakers emphasized the importance of building a relationship between the philanthropic community of Kosovo and that of the United States, as well as the encouragement of raising funds that will help reduce the mortality of mothers and children in Kosovo.

During the evening many people gave their contribution and donated funds to the two-hour cocktail. Part of the event was also a quiet auction, which included a dress from Besë Rugova, a bag from Agnesa Vuthaj, jewelry from Sara Shala, granite plates made by Dhe by Granita, jewelry from Anita Berisha, a photo session from Fadil Berisha, 4-day stay at Valon Xharra’s villa in California, eyebrows service by Sabrie Celaj, and a Queen Teuta suit from Afërdita Delaj.

The success of this evening would not be possible without the support of the Kosovo Consulate in New York and Ambassador Sahatqija, as well as the donors like Dr. Agron Abrashi, Lukaj Foundation, Dorjan and Mira Puka, Dr. James C. Strickler, Shpresë dhe Rexhe Xhakli, Bekim Ahmetaj, Valon Xharra, Fadil Berisha, and many other names that made this evening happen.

The evening ended successfully, promising AMC’s new friends that the funds raised will make a significant difference in the lives of mothers and children in the Republic of Kosovo.

Positive Discipline in Everyday Parenting

The program “Positive Discipline in Everyday Parenting” enabled in partnership with the organization Save the Children of Kosovo.

This program is an approach of education that guides the child’s behavior, while respecting their right to a safe environment, protection from violence, and participation in their education.

Parents hit and humiliate their children when they are tired or stressed or when they believe that this  is the way to discipline their children. But by hitting, humiliating or using other methods of violence  you can harm the child physically, reduce the child’s self-esteem, make the child feel insecure and depressed.

Positive Discipline is non-violent, is focused on  finding solutions, based on respect, and based on the principles of child development.

Positive Discipline in Everyday Parenting was held in 4 groups of Preschool Institutions: “Fatosat”, “Dielli”, “Gëzimi Ynë”, “Yllkat” and “Classes for Mothers” in Prishtina, where around 40 parents attended .

Comprehensive Sexual Education – Positive Change and Breaking the Taboo

“Host an event for us” is now officially launched

Dr. Ilirijana Bajraktari, the Deputy Minister of Health in the Government of Albania.

Mr. Mark Kosmo joins the AMC Board of Trustees

9,755.23 Swiss Francs Raised in ‘Diaspora Dinner’ for Mothers and Children of Kosovo

Open discussion about “Contraception and Menopause”

The Traditional Event Let’s Dance Raises €23,486.50

Prishtina, 23 September 2017-

The third Let’s Dance for Mothers and Children fundraising event that was organized on September 21 showed that the movement of kindness started in 2015 has become one the best traditions in the city.

In a display of community generosity and human connection, over 400 people attended the fundraising dance event that was held at Duplex Premium in Prishtina and raised €23,486.5 through ticket sales and sponsorships.

As every year, the funds raised through this dance event are used by the Foundation Action for Mothers and Children to support programs that battle infant death rates, premature babies’ diseases and other conditions, as well as support their families, working closely with the health care service in Kosovo.

“Let’s Dance” has already become a brand closely attached to the concept of fundraising for charities and giving children a chance to a happy and fulfilled future. It is inspiring to see that whenever the phrase “Let’s Dance” is mentioned, people know what we are talking about: children, mothers and the willingness to do good.

The Foundation will publish throughout the year the activities made possible through these funds.

The fundraising dance event was supported through sponsorships by: Banka për Biznes as gold sponsor; TEB, Banka Ekonomike, NLB, Solidar Suisse, Recura Financials, Gjirafa, Acibadem, HIB Petrol, Baruti, and Komot as silver sponsors; KEP Trust, Universum, Finca Kosova, Cacttus, Meridian, and Trepharm as bronze sponsors. Other sponsors are: Eurolab Internacional, Birra Prishtina, Birra Sabaja, Frutomania and Karl Gega, Ujë Rugove, R+People, VM3, Thai, Umami, Francisko, Trosha, Origo Balloons, Amel, Lulishtja Labi, Rrotull.com, Glam radio, Duplex Premium, Leka lamps, RTK, Green & Protein, Kanun.tv, Catering, Tenda 3, and Che bar.

Special thanks to Perla Events for decorating the venue, Adrian Berisha (Gamblemania) and Valon Shehu for the music, and all volunteers for giving life to the event.

It is time to Dance Again

Prishtina, 20 September 2017-

Transformed into a traditional annual event on the philanthropic scene in Kosovo, the event “Let’s dance for mothers and children ” returns on September 21, 2017, at Duplex Premium in Prishtina, starting at 20:00. The event is organized by the Foundation Action  for Mothers and Child and Crimson Capital thanks to the support of sponsors and the public who believes in the mission of this charity event.

Some of the activities that happened with the funds collected by Let’s Dance in September last year are: the neonatology clinic at UCCK has been supplied with 200 bottles of Surfactant medication, 5 cardiopulmonary monitors for children and an information center for women’s health and mothers’ classes in Kaçanik and Prizren have been opened.

Also, thanks to these funds, the Foundation has managed to advocate for health institutions to develop a national roadmap for standard infant transport from regional hospitals to Pristina. Another achievement is the expansion of the social enterprise Teshavesha.

“It’s exciting when we see that now, Let’s Dance has reached the public’s awareness as one of the most important charity events in the country. When we started preparing for this initiative three years ago, the organizational team did not think that this event would turn into an important tradition that affects the lives of hundreds of mothers and children, “says Mrika Aliu, Executive Director of the Foundation.

Ms. Aliu thanks all the supporters of the Let’s Dance event, both sponsors and participants and volunteers. “For two years we have gained € 56,065.  “The Let’s Dance event is not just a event to raise funds, but has turned into a movement of solidarity, generosity and charity for children and mothers in need. This event gives hope and promotes life. “

The Let’s Dance Evening this year will be held on September 21, at Duplex Premium, starting at 20:00. The entrance price is € 30 per person and includes drinks, food and music. The money collected from the tickets goes all to funding the programs. Tickets can be purchased at Crimson Capital, Teshavesha, Bon Vivant, Matisse, Green & Protein, Soma Book Station, Creme de la Creme, Hallakate, Bonzai and Babel.

The organization has been supported by many sponsors. Golden Sponsor is BpB, silver sponsors are Economic Bank, TEB and Solidar Suisse. Bronze sponsors are Finca Kosova, KEP and Universum.

Other event sponsors are: Birra Prishtina, Birra Sabaja, Rugova Water, Republic of People, VM3, Perla Events, Thai Restaurant, Umami, Trosha, Rum, Radio Glam, RTK and Duplex Premium. Our friend Gamblemania is going to entertain us during the event with other talented musicians. 

Take the Pap Test, and prevent cervical cancer

Prishtina, 20 September 2017-

Take the pap test!

Today, on September 20, 2017, the staff of the elementary schools “Hilmi Rakovica” was informed more about what is cervical cancer and who is risked form the cervical cancer.

The lecture was held by Dr. Florina Grezda, a family doctor and at the same time coordinator and lecturer of health education and promotion, where also women that were present had the opportunity to ask questions about health care. In the Municipality of Prishtina  the provision of Pap tests is continuing within the primary level of health care. The pilot phase enabled the identification of cases that could lead to the development of cervical cancer, thus the early treatment turned to a be a success. Therefore, women can perform this service within the primary health care level.

This lecture was organized by Action for Mothers and Children within the  Cervical Cancer Program, supported by the United Nations Population Fund in Kosovo.

The mobile application “NANA” is now launched

Prishtina, 29 August 2017-

Action for Mothers and Children has launched the mobile application in Albanian, an application that contains essential information on pregnancy, family planning, labor and child care in a quick and easy way. The mobile application “NANA” is another extension of the educational program “Mother’s Classes” and the evidence-based website beba-ks.com.

Our health resource centers, “Mothers Classes”, are now available in 6 municipalities around Kosovo which are gathering women of different ethnicities with a common goal: improving the health of mothers and their children by providing access to evidence-based information. Considering the need for access to health information and innovation, AMC took the initiative to develop the mobile application “NANA” which includes a host module and interactive features as an additional way to reach out to more women who cannot attend sessions at our health resource centers.

In general, the app contains sections such as “Ovulation Calendar” that provides an opportunity for monitoring the ovulation period for women and girls; “Contractions Calculator,” is an essential section that helps future mothers in managing labor pains; the schedule of “Mothers Classes” shows the times of consultations and activities of our centers and enables women to plan the attendance in those sessions based on the topic of interest; the section on “What you need to know”  provides simple guidelines on pregnancy health, nutrition, baby development at each stage of pregnancy, breathing techniques, breastfeeding, immunization and also a section for exercises during pregnancy; Moreover, the section named “Pictures” lets moms take photos during different periods of pregnancy, and archive them to see the week by week body changes.

The development of this mobile app is powered by “Zombie Soup” and supported by the Australian Embassy through its Vienna Office in Kosovo and IPKO Foundation.

This App is found only for IOS, which you can download it in the below link:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nana-aplikacion-p%C3%ABr-n%C3%ABnat/id1049838079?mt=8

For more information about the Application “NANA” visit our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/aplikacioninana/

Humanitarian dinner in Zurich for children of Kosovo

Prishtina,24 August 2017-

The humanitarian foundation “ Action for Mothers and Children” operating in Prishtina, in cooperation with the organization Solidar Suisse, is organizing the humanitarian dinner at Eni’s Restaurant in Zurich, Switzerland, on 29 September 2017.

The purpose of this humanitarian dinner is to raise funds that are needed to reduce the infant mortality rate in the country. Ever since the war, the mortality rate was 29 babies per 1,000 births and we have managed to reduce it to 11 deaths per 1,000 births – a figure that still remains high not only in the region but also in Europe.

In order to reduce the mortality rate, the Foundation develops health programs which are: the supply of the Neonatology and Gynecology Clinic in UCCK with essential medicaments and necessary medical equipment, also the opening of ‘Mother’s Classes’, the development of neonatal transport and many other programs.

Therefore, the reason for organizing this charitable dinner is to raise funds in order to support these programs. The event will include music, speeches by Albanian and Swiss personalities as well as other evening activities. The event is open to the public through purchasing the ticket of the amount 100 CHF per person. Businessmen and philanthropists are invited to support the evening as sponsors.

The event is made possible thanks to the support of Eni’s Restaurant, the Albanian Business Network in Switzerland, and the medium “Albinfo” as well as the organization Germin. For additional information, visit our webpage www.amchealth.org or contact us directly at info@amchealth.org

Afatinib medication is received as a donation to the Oncology Clinic

Prishtinë, 18 Gusht 2017

Afatinib is received at the Oncology Clinic at UCCK which is another donation from Americares through the partner Action for Mothers and Children. After several donations and great support, Americares and Action for Mothers and Children continues to help and cover the needs of the hospitals with different medications, where this time they bring Afatinab, a donation that reaches the value of more than $ 500,000.

Afatinib is a medication that is used for lung cancer treatment. This medicament acts as a barrier that slows down or tries to stop the development of cancer cells.

“Americares continues to support the work of Action for Mothers and Children and to cover the needs of hospitals with medication, addressing the specific needs of hospitals such as in the Oncology Clinic today where mothers that suffer from cancer are also treated. In this case, we hope that this donation will be sustained and supported at the institutional level,” emphasized Dafina Krasniqi from Action for Mothers and Children.

Arrival of the fourth contingent in Kosovo is made possible thanks to donations collected from “Let’s Dance” event in Kosovo and “Meet US Halfway” event in New York.

Mothers Classes now provide counselling on Post-Partum Depression

Prishtina, 19 July 2017-

The Women’s Health Resource Center, now renamed into “Mothers’ Classes” have started a new topic as part of their curriculum on post-partum depression in all the family medicine centers in Prizren, Mitrovica, Ferizaj, Sterpce, Kacanik and Gynecology/Obstetrics Clinic in Prishtina for all the women and their partners attending these centers.

The development of this curriculum has been developed due to the importance to raise awareness and provide information on time for its symptoms and early treatment. Post-partum depression occurs due to hormonal changes that women experience during pregnancy and after delivery. Symptoms differ, but the most common ones include lack of interest in the baby, appetite and sleep disturbance, crying and sadness, feelings of guilt, loss of joy up to different psychosis.  Around 1 in 7 new mothers get PPD. It often starts within 1-3 weeks after birth but it can occur anytime within the first year.

Along the efforts to raise awareness on the issue, we have also launched an informative video on post-partum depression, being broadcasted in local TV stations and social media, accessible via: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vIbU6pOEok&list=PLJHEJ1W5Ncy4kPEn2elNXPF6rDD38Rkwg&index=3

The development of this curriculum has been made possible through the support of Kosovo Women’s Network and is now an integrated part of the health resource center services in family medicine centers, informative brochures now available in main family medicine centers and part of the evidence-based online platform beba-ks.com

Pap tests offered as a regular service in the Municipality of Prishtina

Prishtina, 12 July 2017-

Pap tests continue to be offered as a regular service in the primary health care level in the Municipality of Prishtina. The pilot program implemented during 2016 enabled over 2,000 women in Prishtina. The pilot phase led to the identification of cases with cellular changes, with potential to lead to cervical cancer, at an early stage, thus enabling their successful treatment.

“As a result of successful piloting last year, the screening service is continuing in the municipality of Prishtina, hence all women women of ages 21 to 65 are invited to have their Pap smears in one of the Family Medicine Centers in Prishtina, such as Women Wellness Center in Qafa, Family Medicine Center 5 in Ulpiana, and Family Medicine Center 6 in Kodra e Diellit. All informative materials are now available in the family medicine centers in Prishtina, which women can contact for appointments,” says Dafina Krasniqi, program coordinator at Action for Mothers and Children.

The continuation of this program represents a priority in the Health Sectorial Strategy and the National Board for Cancer Control and is implemented with the support of the Municipal Directory for Health and Social Welfare, so that Pap tests are offered as a regular service in the primary health care level. This program led to improved cooperation among the primary and tertiary health care levels, among others, and was accompanied by capacity building training for medical staff in the tertiary health care level regarding the pathological analysis performed in the scope of the screening program.

As a result of continuation of this service, Action for Mothers and Children has launched the informative campaign accessible via www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0azXlBHmFY&list=PLJHEJ1W5Ncy4kPEn2elNXPF6rDD38Rkwg&index=1.

The screening program is also supported by the Ministry of Health, the National Board for Cancer Control, the Institute of Pathology within the University Clinical Center of Kosovo, National Institute for Public Health in Kosovo, United Nations Population Fund – UNFPA (Kosovo Office), World Health Organization – WHO (Kosovo Office), and the non-governmental organization Action for Mothers and Children.

The Importance of Family Planning in Population Health – Marking the World Population Day

Prishtina, 11 July 2017-

The K10 Coalition on Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights, in co-operation with and support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA – Kosovo Office), in the occasion of marking the World Population Day, organized a roundtable discussion on “The Importance of Family Planning in Population Health” .

Representatives of UNFPA said that in Kosovo the use of contraceptives continues to be a myth. According to Dr. Visare Mujko Nimani the use of modern contraceptives is still quite low.

“According to the data that exist in Kosovo, unfortunately, the use of modern contraceptive devices in Kosovo is not satisfactory. In Kosovo, the use of modern contraceptives is around 14 percent, which is not a satisfactory number. This shows that couples are using other contraceptive tools, such as traditional methods that are not very safe and which can lead to an unplanned pregnancy or abortion”.

During her presentation, Dr. Zarife Miftari from UNFPA also said that in Kosovo fertility has fallen to 2.3 percent from 2.9 percent. She also stressed that contraception is still misunderstood by us and that these misunderstandings should be removed through services and knowledge sharing  on the importance of reproductive health.

Representative of Ministry of Health, Dr. Merita Vuthaj, said that the Ministry of Health has drafted the law on the legal infrastructure for reproductive health in Kosovo starting with the law on reproductive health drafted and approved in 2006 (this law is already being revised). According to Dr. Vuthaj, MoH is in the process of drafting the concept paper for revision of this law as there have been many shortcomings in the previous law. She emphasized that Kosovo will have a comprehensive law within which, besides reproductive health, assisted medical fertilization will also be included.

Mrika Aliu, executive director of Action for Mothers and Children, emphasized that the K10 coalition has a mission to work for a society that has decent sexual and reproductive health and that the coalition aims to raise the patient’s awareness about it.

This roundtable served as an opportunity to remind institutions and organizations of the importance of family planning and the current situation in Kosovo.

The K10 Coalition of organizations for sexual reproductive health and reproductive rights is established as a result of the cooperation between Action for Mothers and Children, Kosovo Health Foundation (KOPF), Peer Educators Network (PEN), Patients’ Rights Association in Kosovo (PRAK), Artpolis, Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), Kosovar Center for Fighting Breast Cancer (Jeta/Vita), Health for All, Kosovar Association for the Promotion, Advancement, and Protection of Adolescents (Shko-Pa-Msha), and the Association for Health Education and Development (AHED), and is financed by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Bank Street Charity Invitational raises nearly $10,000 for mothers and children in Kosovo

Prishtina, 10 July 2017-

For the third year now, the leading investment firm, Bank Street Group, has hosted the annual Charity Invitational golf event at the Burning Tree Country Club in Greenwich, CT. Proceeds from this annual event benefit nearly two dozen charities around the globe, among which also Action for Mothers and Children.

“The Bank Street Charity Invitational was sponsored in the longstanding tradition at Bank Street, where every member of our team is expected not only to be a leader in the industry sectors we compete in but also in our broader global community,” said Richard Lukaj, Senior Managing Director of Bank Street Group and Honorary Board Member at Action for Mothers and Children.

This event annually backs teams in a golf tournament playing for their selected charities. “It is always an honor to support a great foundation which helps improve the care for mothers and children in a developing part of the world,” says Bekim Ahmetaj, AMC board member and golf-player for Action for Mothers and Children.

Bank Street Group is a leading investment banking firm serving the technology, media and telecommunications sectors. To learn more about the Bank Street Charity Invitational, please visit www.bankstreetinvitational.com

The second ‘Teshavesha’ charity shop was opened today

Prishtina, 04 July 2017-

The second ‘Teshavesha’ charity shop was opened today thanks to the financial support of Raiffeisen Bank Kosovo. Starting today, the second-hand store opened its doors with a new location at the Sunny Hill, str. Armend Daci, nr. 12, across the Enver Maloku Memorial.

Teshavesha is a social enterprise founded by Action for Mothers and Children on July of 2016 to support the healthcare programs for mothers and children. At Teshavesha, community members can donate and purchase clothing for men and women, girls and boys, toys, house decorations, house utilities, accessories, with affordably low prices to support AMC programs from store sales.

Since founded, Teshavesha is visited by more than 400 clients every month and has mobilized the support of designers, media, textile entities, media, public faces, private companies and international organizations. “The goodwill of our community members to donate and purchase at our store has enabled us to open the second Teshavesha, and to become more accessible to our citizens,” said Janinë Mehmeti, Fundraising Coordinator at Action for Mothers and Children.

Teshavesha accepts donations from citizens and sells second-hand items back to the citizens, whereby the income supports the health of mothers and children by financing the foundation’s programs, such as: supply of medication and medical equipment, development of the Neonatal Referral System, as well as the expansion of the Womean Health Resource Centers, ‘Classes for Mothers’.

Albi Group donates clothes in the amount of 10,000 Euro for the new Teshaveshastore

Prishtina, 30 June 2017-

Teshavesha is opening its second charity storethanks to the continued support of donors and citizens. For the first time, marking a new partnership with Teshavesha, Albi Shopping Mall, part of Albi Group, a faithful partner to Action for Mothers and Children has donated new textile products in the value of10,000 Euros. This significant contribution supports the healthcare programs of the Foundation.

The new Teshavesha charity store expands its activities to another part of the city of Prishtina, at the str. Armend Daci no.12, across the Enver Maloku memorial, and continues to be open every day of the week from 10:00am to 6:00pm, and on Saturdays from 12:00am to 4:00pm. Community members are welcome to donate and purchase clothing during working hours.

Teshavesha continues to accept and sell second-hand clothes from citizens, while all the revenue from the store sales fund projects for mothers and children’s health such as: purchase of medications and medical equipments, development of the neonatal referral system,and expanding the services of women’s health resource centers “Mother’s Classes”.

Over 30 pathologists from the Institute of Pathology trained on Ovarian Cytology

Prishtina, 28 June 2017-

Over a period of two days, pathologists in the Institute of Pathology in the Hospital and University Clinical Service of Kosovo, had the opportunity to undergo the second intensive training organized in the scope of the National Program for Cervical Cancer Screening, which is an important component of screening program and serves as the continuous training and medical education of medical staff from all levels of health care provision. This was a continuation of the first training that we had organized during February 2-17, for the pathologists and technicians in the Institute of Pathology again under the expert and professional training and supervision of the Clinical Cytology specialist and doctor Merdita Agai Muhaxhiri.

Pathologists had the opportunity to expand their knowledge and learn about new developments in the field of clinical cytology, while conducting practical demonstrations in real work environments over different topics including ovarian cytology, cytodiagnostics in abdominal distension, immunocytology in differential diagnosis of ovarian tumors, and cytological changes in Douglas liquid in cervical cancer.

Action for Mothers and Children and other implementing partners will certainly provide their continuous support in implementing and promoting the national program of cervical cancer screening as a lawful right guaranteed by the law for all women.

This pilot project is a result of the cooperation between the Department for Health and Social Welfare in Municipality of Prishtina, Ministry of Health in Kosovo, National Board for Cancer Control, Women Wellness Center within the Main Family Medicine Center in Prishtina, Institute of Pathology at the University Clinical Center of Kosovo,World Health Organization (WHO) – Kosovo Office, Action for Mothers and Children, and is supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) – Kosovo Office.

The Impact of Smoking in Sexual Reproductive Health – Open discussion with citizens

Prishtina, 27 June 2017-

Today was held the second open discussion with citizens about the Impact of Smoking in Sexual Reproductive Health. This discussion was organized by Coalition K10, a coalition comprised of ten non-governmental organizations on health and sexual and reproductive rights, supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)- the Kosovo Office, and the Ministry of Health.

This discussion showed the risks of smoking in sexual and reproductive health in women and men of different ages. The purpose of the discussion was to address the effects and the impact of smoking on sexual and reproductive health. During the discussion it was said that many world studies support the fact that smoking affects almost every aspect of sexual and reproductive health as well as the health of children.

Dr. Sami Uka, from the World Health Organization (WHO), explained that “Thanks to the adaptation of anti-smoking legislation, a positive trend has been observed in recent years in lowering the rate of tobacco consumption. Recent studies have shown that there is a decrease in the use of smoking as well as the exposure of children to tobacco smoke. ”

Whereas, Dr. Jasmina Tolaj, a gynecologist, stated that “Tobacco is very harmful and has serious consequences for the health of mothers and children, causing premature births, low weight babies, and various organ damage.”

Mr. Faik Hoti, from the Ministry of Health said that “The applicable law prohibits 100% smoking in closed environments. And if we analyze the recent years, after 2013, where the law has been at the top of enforceability, there has been a lack of law enforcement. This has happened due to negligence and insufficient attention by the relevant institutions in the monitoring. “Meanwhile, Dr. Florina Ushaku Grezda, a family doctor from the Main Family Medicine Centre in Pristina, said that “Anti-smoking should not be marked on May 31st alone on the international anti-smoking day, but this topic should be in focus throughout the year. ”

Such open discussions with citizens will continue to be organized by Coalition K10 to address sexual and reproductive health issues with citizens.

The Levonorgestrel intrauterine device is delivered to the UCCK Clinic of Gynecology

Prishtina, 27 June 2017-

The successful cooperation between the Foundation Action for Mothers and Children and the international organization Americares, as well as the Kosovo University Clinical Center, continues. Today, at the Clinic of Gynecology at the University Clinical Center of Kosovo, was made the delivery of the intrauterine device Levonorgestrel, a donation made possible by the international organization ICA Foundation, through its long-term partner Americares.

The intrauterine device Levonorgestrel is a contraceptive method that is suitable for all women, including women who are breast-feeding.

“Such ongoing donations are a confirmation that successful co-operation between civil society organizations and state institutions is feasible and brings the continued support of serious international partners,” said AlbionaBeselica-Beha, project coordinator at the Foundation “Action For Mothers and Children “.

The annual event “Cycle Kosovo for Children” raised around 8000 Euros

Prishtina, 06 June 2017-

The annual event “Cycle Kosovo for Children” ended successfully with having around 30 cyclists returng to Pristina after a 3-day charity tour around Kosovo in support of “Action for Mothers and Children”. Cyclists started their tour from Pristina, on 2nd of June, clucling a distance of 500 kilometers and climbing over 5000 meters around Kosovo and returned on June 4th to Pristina, doing this cycling tour for the 4th year in a row.

This year’s event was able to raise around 8,000 Euros through the contributions of companies and individuals who supported cyclists’ challenge, the online campaign at KosovaIdeas, as well as the end-of-tour fundraiser held at DeRada upon cyclists’ return. Contributions will continue to be received until the end of June through foundation’s bank account as well as the online crowdfunding campaign still active in KosovaIdeas platform. This year’s goal is to raise funds that will purchase the CRP analyzer in Neonatology Intensive Care Unit in Peja, a device that helps in taking blood samples for premature babies right at the incubator.

Albion Hadri and Agim Bilalli, organizers and cyclists, expressed their satisfaction and excitement for the number of participants in this cycling tour. “We are grateful for all the donations received this year and hope that this charity event will grow in the years to come,” said Hadri.

“Cycle Kosovo for Children” is an annual cycling event around Kosovo to raise funds for Action for Mothers and Children. This event was successfully organized in 2014, 2015 and 2016 and is growing every year. The cycling annual event is an initiative of two international cyclists living in Kosovo, Mark Dixon and Thomas Flanagan, and is strongly supported by Eulex, Kosovo Police, Devolli Corporation, Astes Turkey, Rugove, BpB, Shtepiaku and On Line Studio. The online crodwfunding campaign is still active through KosovaIdeas platform able to receive any amount to further support the goal of cyclists, accessible via: http://kosovaideas.net/campaign/detail/305.

The annual event “Cycle Kosovo for Children” started today!

Prishtina, 02 June 2017-

Today, the annual event “Cycle Kosovo for Children 2017” has started, organized for the 4th consecutive year. The challenge for this year will be cycling around Kosovo for three days, starting from Prishtina to Gjilan, Ferizaj, Prevalla, Prizren, Gjakova, Valbona, Junik, Peja, and returning back to Prishtina on a journey from over 500 kilometers with over 5000 meters of climbing.

Around 30 cyclists started their journey this morning and will return on Sunday, June 4th, at 18:00 in Prishtina. An end-of-tour event will take place at “De Rada” starting from 19:00 on Sunday, 4th of June, which includes entertainment, music, food and various activities for family members, where all interested citizens are invited to join in welcoming cyclists back.

Albion Hadri, one of the event organizers and cyclist says that, “We are very happy with the number of cyclists who have joined the event this year. This is not a race, rather a charity cycling tour. Thus we would like to kindly ask for patience and support from all the citizens and drivers while we pass through villages and roads around Kosovo.”

“Cycle Kosovo for Children” is an annual cycling event around Kosovo to raise funds for Action for Mothers and Children. This event was successfully organized in 2014, 2015 and 2016 and is growing every year. This year’s goal is to raise funds that will purchase the CRP analyzer for the Neonatology Intensive Care Unit in Peja, a device that helps in taking blood samples for premature babies right at the incubator.

Alongside, let us kindly remind you that the online fundraising campaign is still active through KosovaIdeas platform where you can donate any amount to support this challenge and the goal of cyclists, accessible via: http://kosovaideas.net/campaign/detail/305.

New Resource Center “Mother’s Classes” opens up in Prizren

Prishtina, 31 May 2017-

Today, in an official ceremony the doors of the Women’s Health Resource Center, that now will be renamed “Mother’s Classes” opened up in the Main Family Medicine Center (MFMC) in Prizren – an initiative made possible thanks to the cooperation of the Department of Health and Social Welfare of Prizren, Kosovo Women’s Network, Main Family Medicine Centre and Action for Mothers and Children.

Mehmedali Gashi, director of QKMF, expressed his satisfaction with the opening of the “Mother’s Classes” and said that “the health of mothers and children is a priority of the center and as staff are committed to work in this direction”. He pledged that the opening of this center will contribute directly to the health of mothers and children in the municipality of Prizren.

While the director of the Department of Health and Social Welfare in the Municipality of Prizren, Dr.Shpresa Goqaj, expressed her gratitude for the support  of  Action for Mothers and Children and wished this to be a good start for further cooperation.

Meanwhile, the representative of Action for Mothers and Children, Albiona Beha, declared that establishment of “Mother’s Classes” in Prizren marks the 7^th centre, or the 6^th municipality that incorporates the educational program of the center as part of the daily services for maternal and child health. “Mother’s Classes” in Prizren will provide educational services, activities of physical and mental wellbeing for women and also their partners, in a comfortable room setting designed in a colorful and warm environment.

During March of this year, a center was opened in the municipality of Kacanik, and last year we  officially opened the centers in Shterpce and Mitrovica, and a year ago in Prishtina and Ferizaj. Action for Mothers and Children aims to expand such information centers for pregnant women and their partners in other municipalities in Kosovo to assist in the establishment of health education within the primary healthcare level in the country.

The opening ceremony was attended by representatives of the municipality of Prizren. The center was made possible thanks to donations collected from the “Let’s Dance for Mothers and Children” event in Kosovo and “Meet Us Halfway” event in New York.

Be part of “Cycle Kosovo for Children 2017” campaign

Prishtina, 24 May 2017-

Local cyclists are organizing the “Cycle Kosovo for Children” event for the fourth consecutive year in support of “Action for Mothers and Children.” The challenge for this year will be cycling around Kosovo for three days starting from Prishtina to Gjilan, Ferizaj, Prevalla, Prizren, Gjakova, Valbona, Junik, Peja, and returning to Pristina on a journey of over 300 miles (500km) and with over 5000 meters of climbing.

“We are doing this challenge to raise funds for Action for Mothers and Children with the purpose of buying a blood test analyzer for babies at the neonatology clinic in Peja,” said Albion Hadri, one of the organizers. “This equipment is indispensable for taking blood samples in babies right at the incubator and not outside the clinic, which consequently saves the lives of babies,” Hadri continued.

“This year we invite all citizens to become part of the campaign by helping us in one of the ways: by distributing the online campaign with your friends in social networks, give your financial support to help babies, invite your friends to donate financial support and to join us in the end-of-the tour event. The online crowdfuning campaign is active on the latest platform in Kosovo called KosovaIdeas, via http://kosovaideas.net/campaign/detail/305 “, said Agim Bilalli, organizer and a cyclist.

Cyclists will start their journey on Friday, June 2 from Lulu’s Coffee and Wine and return on Sunday, June 4th. A closing event will be held at De Rada starting at 19:00 on Sunday evening, June 4th, involving raffle prizes, fun, music, finger food and fundraising activities.

AMC reached a Cooperation Agreement with Faculty of Medicine

Prishtina, 23 May 2017-

This week, a cooperation agreement was signed between the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Prshtina “Hasan Prishtina” and the Action for Mothers and Children Foundation (AMC). This agreement will allow the implementation of the student internships in all of the AMC programs for all students of the Faculty of Medicine, who have completed their exams in biostatistics, gynecology and pediatrics, as well as for students who attend their last year in midwifery school.

With the ever more complex and inclusive project development, the AMC has a constant need for interns who contribute with their knowledge, time and work in implementing the Foundation’s health programs.

These students will be trained to hold lectures at the “Women’s Health Resource Centers”; will be part of the research on the Cervical Cancer Program; participate in Statistical Analyzes of the Neonatal Transport Project; or other projects managed by AMC that are foreseen in advance.

The internship program will be held in a four month period, and at the end of the internship students will receive a Reference letter for their work and performance as well as recommendations for future work.

Comprehensive Sexuality Education – Open Discussion with Citizens

Prishtina, 18 May 2017-

Today, we held the open discussion with citizens on Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE). This discussion was organized by Coalition K10, a coalition comprised of ten non-governmental organizations on health and sexual and reproductive rights, supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)- the Kosovo Office, and the Ministry of Health.

This event discussed the important role of CSE in preventing negative sexual and reproductive health outcomes among youth and also served as a platform for discussing gender issues and human rights. However, the purpose of this discussion was to educate youth about sexuality and the risks that come from  not educating the youth on this topic, considering that the UNFPA study shows that one out of four sexually active teenagers do not use any means of protection against Sexually Transmitted Infections  (STI), HIV, or unplanned pregnancies.

Dr. Visare Mujko-Nimani from UNFPA explained that “Kosovo, compared to other countries in the region, generally accepts the term easily. There are no legal or institutional barriers in development of the curriculum on sexual education. ”

Whereas, Prof.Dr. Ilir Begolli from the National Institute of Public Health stated that “The Institute serves as a platform for the design and implementation of educational programs on sexuality, but also as a center for capacity building.  The interest for the implementation of these programs by the students is very large, but there’s hesitation from the teachers to teach on sexuality. ”

In this discussion the representatives from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology were absent, so the discussion could not address their institutional views.

Such open discussions with citizens will continue to be organized by Coalition K10 to address sexual and reproductive health issues with citizens.

—                                                           

The Coalition of organizations for sexual reproductive health and reproductive rights is established as a result of the cooperation between Action for Mothers and Children; Kosovo Health Foundation (KOPF); Peer Educators Network (PEN); Patients’ Rights Association in Kosovo (PRAK); Artpolis; Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN); Kosovar Center for Fighting Breast Cancer (Jeta/Vita); Health for All;  Kosovar Association for the Promotion, Advancement, and Protection of Adolescents (Shko-Pa-Msha); and the Association for Health Education and Development (AHED), and is financed by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)- Kosovo office

Action for Mothers and Children launches the online donation platform

Prishtina, 15 May 2017-

Today is the official launch of online payment platform which makes it possible the donations ranging from the amount of 1 Euro through the web site of Action for Mothers and Children, a service made available by ProCredit Bank in Kosovo.

ProCredit Bank has made it possible that Action for Mothers and Children through their e-commerce platform to receive donations through online payments free of charge (for free) on the amchealth.org site, for all donors and philanthropists who want to support the healthcare programs of the ‘Action for Mothers and Children’ Foundation.

“This service not only facilitates the donation procedure for our health programs, but also enables citizens to donate directly from their bank account starting from very small sums, which are very important for us,” said Mrika Aliu, Director of Mother and Child Action.

Online payment donations will bring a new culture that emphasizes the innovative banking system in Kosovo, integrating more the technology into services and offering transaction freedom at any moment, from any space (Kosovo and Diaspora), and from any platform (computer or mobile phone).

This service has been made available to individual customers, businesses and corporations, and provides all the standards and security mechanisms that provide customers with the best protection and easier way of using it.

“Designer’s Weekend”- The event organized by Teshavesha

Prishtina, 12 May 2017-

This weekend will finds us with “Designers’ Weekend” at  ‘Zahir Pajaziti’ Square, an event organized by the Teshavesha charity store, which will be held on May 13 from 11.00 am and ends on May 14 at 15.00.

 ‘Designer’s Weekend’ is supported by Empower Private Sector and KAMA and enables the participation of local textile designers and manufacturers in an open market. In this event renowned fashion designers like Valdrin Sahiti, Vjollca Llapashtica, Enkeleida Shatrri, Teuta Matoshi, Flutra Dedinja from ZAM, Valon Osmani, Mevlyde Llugiqi, Albina Dyla, Ardita Rizvanolli, Egzon Kazagiqi, Soxey and others have donated their creations, which will be sold at symbolic prices within the open market during “Designers’ Weekend” to help mothers and children.

Teshavesha is a social enterprise founded by foundation ‘Action for Mothers and Children’ with purpose to raise funds that will support health programs and improve the lives of mothers and children in Kosovo.

The Idea for the Designer’s Weekend was born in collaboration of  Teshavesha and Adrian Berisha, and is supported by Empower Private Sector and KAMA.

Co-operation agreement with Solidar Suisse Kosovo is signed

Prishtina, 4 May 2017-

Action for Mothers and Children today has extended the cooperation agreement with Solidar Suisse Kosova for the fourth consecutive year.

“The ongoing partnership with Solidar Suisse Kosovo is among the practical collaborations that have always proven good results in improving the health system for mothers and children and it is a pleasure to continue our cooperation this year,” said Mrika Aliu, Executive Director at the Action for Mothers and Children.

This year’s co-operation is to support the construction of the infant transport system from regional hospitals to Pristina. This project started its first implementation phase in 2016, and with the successful cooperation between the Ministry of Health, the Hospital and University Clinical Service of Kosovo, Dartmouth-Hitchckok Medical Center, and Solidar Suisse Kosova.

Piloting the topic on positive discipline for children

Prishtina, 1 May 2017–

Today we reached the cooperative agreement between Action for Mothers and Children and the organization Save the Children, which makes it possible the integration of the positive discipline parenting curricula within the framework of Mother’s Classes (former Women’s Health Resource Centers) and other online platforms.

The objective of this agreement is piloting the topic on positive discipline for children at pre-school level in the municipality of Prishtina. Also, this agreement includes piloting of this project in some of the Mother’s Classes, classes that are run by Action for Mothers and Children.

Drafting the strategy for K10 Coalition

Prishtina, 25 April 2017-

Over the past weekend, the K10 Coalition held the two-day workshop, the first coalition of its kind that brings together ten non-governmental organizations that advocates for sexual and reproductive health and reproductive health rights. The workshop, which was held in Durrës, lasted two days, respectively on 21 and 22 April 2017.

The purpose of this workshop was to draft a strategy plan that will define the scope and specific objectives that will guide the Coalition K10 in the medium term. Coalition K10 aims to improve the legal infrastructure, policy making and awareness and improvement of sexual and reproductive health of Kosovo citizens.

“The K10 Coalition is a relatively a new initiative, but with the strength stemming from the unification of 10 credible organizations and willing for the improvement of sexual and reproductive health in Kosovo, and we believe that the draft strategy will be a powerful guiding document for our work”, emphasized Dafina Krasniqi, Program Coordinator in Action for Mothers and Children, an organization that has the coordinating role of K10.

The Coalition of organizations for sexual reproductive health and reproductive rights is established as a result of the cooperation between Action for Mothers and Children; Kosovo Health Foundation (KOPF); Peer Educators Network (PEN); Patients’ Rights Association in Kosovo (PRAK); Artpolis; Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN); Kosovar Center for Fighting Breast Cancer (Jeta/Vita); Health for All;  Kosovar Association for the Promotion, Advancement, and Protection of Adolescents (Shko-Pa-Msha); and the Association for Health Education and Development (AHED), and is financed by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)- Kosovo office.

Tax Law on Corporate Income facilitates donations from businesses in Kosovo

Prishtina, 12 April 2017-

We are happy to share with you the news of the approval of the law no. 05 / L-029 of Taxes on Income Corporations. This draft law will determine the conditions and regulate corporate facilities in their tax obligations.

Under this law, the contributions made by taxpayers in the form of donations and sponsorships to humanitarian and medical purposes are considered as contributions in the public interest and taxpayers are provided with a discounts up to 10% in tax. As an example, if the business has a taxable income of Euro 10,000 and based on these incomes pays income tax on profit of Euro1,000. Business in question can give a donation value of Euro 1,000 (10% to Euro 10,000) and then the business pays income tax only Euro 900 (10,000 – 1,000= 9,000*10%).

This draft law regulates relations, conditions and level of financing facilities through allowed deductions for natural and legal persons, who by free will, sponsor or become donors in these particular areas of public interest, such is the humanitarian foundation “Action for Mothers and Children ‘.

Minastrin medication arrives in Kosovo!

Prishtina, 06 April 2017-

Today, we delivered the Minastrin medication at Gynecology/Obstetrics clinic in the University Clinical Center of Kosovo, thanks to the ongoing cooperation between AmeriCares and Action for Mothers and Children.

Besides family planning, this medication is essential in regulating menstrual cycle, decreasing the risk of ovarian cysts, and also for acne treatment and responds to the needs and requests of the patients in this Clinic. The value of this donation reaches approximately $ 400,000.

“We are always pleased to respond positively to the requests and needs of Gynecology/Obstetrics Clinic and deliver this valuable medication to them,” – states Lirak Mulliqi from Action for Mothers and Children while at the delivery site.

New Members join AMC’s Board of Trustees!

Prishtina, 5 April 2017

Action for Mothers and Children is pleased to announce the addition of two new members to their Board of Trustees: Pierre Weber and Valon Xharra.

Pierre Weber has pursued a career in international development and diplomacy, including positions at the UN, the EU and with the Foreign Service of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, in which quality he headed Luxembourg’s embassy to the young Republic of Kosovo for eight years. At the end of his mandate in Kosovo, Pierre has taken the rather unusual step of requesting a sabbatical from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in order to devote some time to a very profound passion: music, and to work as a composer, conductor and pianist.

Originally trained in conservatories in Luxembourg and France as classical concert pianist and composer, Pierre also studied law in Strasbourg, France, and later earned a master’s degree in social psychology at the Free University of Brussels, Belgium. Pierre’s commitment to social progress, and particularly justice and the advancement of youth, constitutes a major part of his activities, with a very active involvement in the Ruhi Institute and the Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Programme. Pierre is married and lives with his wife Zarrin in Pristina.

Valon Xharra is a Senior Vice President for the global risk management firm Gavin de Becker & Associates. Based in Los Angeles, Valon provides specialized crisis management consultation for Fortune 500 companies and advises them on how to manage political and operational risks. Valon is passionate about entrepreneurship and is an investor and partner in several successful businesses spanning technology, real estate, fashion retail and luxury events management. Valon served four years as a diplomatic analyst for the U.S. Department of State during the war

in Kosovo, where he provided expertise in negotiations between the U.S. Government and the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA). Valon earned a Master’s degree in International Affairs from Columbia University and a MBA from Boston University.  He is a Fellow at the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation and the Pacific Council on International Policy. He is an avid competitive runner and a passionate backer of women’s and children’s rights.

For a full list of the current Action for Mothers and Children’s Board of Trustees, please visit our website at http://amchealth.org/who-we-are/board-of-directors/

Cardiopulmonary monitors arrive in the Neonatology Intensive Care Unit in Prishtina

Prishtina, 28 March 2017-

Today we solemnly delivered the cardiopulmonary monitors in the Nenatology Intensive Care Unit at the Universtiy Clinical Center of Kosovo (UCCK). These cardiopulmonary monitors are an essential equipment for the care of newborn babies.

The monitors are connected directly to the infant body to monitor vital signs such as temperature, measure heart and breathing rates in infants and emit signals when these signs change or deteriorate.

These equipments have been very necessary for our clinic and we are very grateful for this donation. Now our babies will have the proper and necessary care” declared Dr. Shpresa Sylejmani, doctor in the Neonatology Clinic in UCC.

Dafina Krasniqi from Action for Mothers and Children, declared that “we are committed in offering our support to help babies live and we focus on providing solutions to those problems that improve the effectiveness of care delivered for our babies and are prioritized by the Clinic. It is a real pleasure to deliver these monitors today, made possible through our dedicated donors, and fulfill some of the needs of the Neonatal Clinic” – adds  Krasniqi.

The purchasing and delivery of cardiopulmonary monitors  today is made possible through support and donors of the 2016 fundraising events – “Cycle Kosovo for Children” and “Let’s Dance for Mothers and Children.”

New Women’s Health Resource Center opens up in Kaçanik

Prishtina, 24 March 2017

Today, in an official ceremony the doors of the Women’s Health Resource Center opened up in the Main Family Medicine Center (MFMC) in Kacanik – an initiative made possible thanks to the cooperation of the Department of Health and Social Welfare of Kacanik,  Main Family Medicine Centre and Action for Mothers and Children.

In the opening ceremony in Kacanik, deputy minister Dr. Izet Sadiku declared that “through these centers we are informing and raising awareness of new partners in their care and preparation during and throughout the whole process of pregnancy, but also for their children. The Ministry of Health has accredited this program and is committed to continue the cooperation with Action for Mothers and Children in expanding such information centers in each municipality.” In addition, Dr. Nijazi Iliazi, the director of MFMC in Kacanik, stressed that the opening of this center will directly affect education and improving maternal and child health. He also assured that MFMC in Kacanik will guarantee the sustainability of the center so that center’s services for women and their partners will become an integrated part of the primary care.

Meanwhile, the representative of Action for Mothers and Children, Albiona Beha, declared that establishment of this Centre in Kacanik marks the 5^th centre, or the 4^th municipality that incorporates the educational program of the center as part of the daily services for maternal and child health. The Centre in Kacanik will provide educational services, activities of physical and mental wellbeing for women and also their partners, in a comfortable room setting designed in a colorful and warm environment.

Last year, we officially opened the Cetners in Sterpce and Mitrovica, whereas a year ago we opened the ones in Prishtina and Ferizaj. Action for Mothers and Children aims to expand such information centers for pregnant women and their partners in other municipalities in Kosovo to assist in the establishment of health education within the primary healthcare level in the country.

The opening event today was closed with a cocktail. The opening ceremony was also attended by representatives of the municipality of Kacanik. The center was made possible thanks to donations collected from the “Let’s Dance for Mothers and Children” event in Kosovo and “Meet Us Halfway” event in New York.

More than 40 pathologists in the Institute of Pathology trained on cervical cytology

Prishtina, 16 March 2017-

Over a period of four days, pathologists in the Institute of Pathology in the Hospital and University Clinical Service of Kosovo, had the opportunity to undergo an intensive training organized in the scope of the National Program for Cervical Cancer Screening, which is a continuation of the cervical cancer screening pilot project implemented during 2016. The training has been accredited by the Board for Continuous Medical Education, contributing towards the medical professionals’’ relicensing.

The latter resulted with more than 1800 women screened free of charge as of this day, while Pap tests continue to be offered as a regular service in three Family Medicine Centers in Prishtina, those being the Main Family Medicine Center, Family Medicine Center No.5 and Family Medicine Center No.6. The project has additionally improved the level of cooperation among the primary and tertiary health care levels and produced action steps to ensure the continuation and sustainability of the program, with the ultimate goal of scaling it to a national screening program.

An important component of screening program is the continuous training and medical education of medical staff from all levels of health care provision. The first training was organized over last week with more than 40 pathologists and technicians in the Institute of Pathology. Under the expert and professional training and supervision of the Clinical Cytology specialist and doctor Merdita Agai Muhaxhiri, pathologists and technician had the opportunity to expand their knowledge and learn about new developments in the field of clinical gynaecology, while conducting practical demonstrations in real work environments.

Action for Mothers and Children and other implementing partners will certainly provide their continuous support in implementing and promoting the national program of cervical cancer screening as a lawful right guaranteed by the law for all women.

This pilot project is a result of the cooperation between the Department for Health and Social Welfare in Municipality of Prishtina, National Board for Cancer Control, Main Family Medicine Center in Prishtina, Institute of Pathology at the University Clinical Center of Kosovo, Action for Mothers and Children, 700 for Science Foundation, World Health Organization-office in Prishtina and the United Nations Population Fund-office in Prishtina.

Donations worth 240,000 USD delivered today at the Main Family Medicine Center in Prishtina and Neonatology Clinic

Prishtina, 9 March 2017-

The successful cooperation among Action for Mothers and Children and the international organization Direct Relief, as well the health care institutions such as the University Clinical Center of Kosovo, specifically the Neonatology Clinic, and the Main Family Medicine Center in Kosovo have resulted in the second donation from this donor, worth more than 240,000 USD.

“The need for medicines is inherent in all levels of health care and we consider that the sustainable cooperation with international organizations dediacted to meet the medical needs of populations in developing countries is very important”, emphasized Dafina Krasniqi, program coordinator at Action for Mothers and Children.

This donation, the second in turn, enabled by Direct Relief through its local partner Action for Mothers and Children, is made possible thanks to the coopration agreement signed last year which makes it possible to continously bring medicines continously for Kosovo. Action for Mother and Children will receive, maintain, distrubite and monitor donations received.

Direct Relief is a non-profit organization in USA, and works to support activities of its partners, providing essential materials and medical equipment to developing countries. Arrival of the second contingent in Kosovo is made possible thanks to donations collected from “Let’s Dance 2” event in Kosovo and “Meet US Halfway” event in New York.

Our charity shop “Teshavesha” and AMC headquarters now in a new location!

The second “Designer Week” has been concluded at charity shop Teshavesha

29 December, 2016 – Approaching New Year, under the lead of  Kosovo Apparel Marketing Association and Empower Private Sector, Kosovo philanthropic designers donated their creations as a means to give their contribution to the community. Designers of the second ‘Designer Week’ include Jetmira Bejtullahu, Lia Stublla, Krenare Rugova, Shema Sahiti, Fetije Mehmeti, Njomëza Luci, SOLID, who donated pieces of their latest collections.

What will the obligatory health insurance cover with regards to reproductive health?

December 20, 2016 – Organized by Coalition K10 of non-governmental organizations for sexual reproductive health and reproductive rights and supported by the United Nations Population Fund – UNFPA, Office in Kosovo, a round table was held today aiming to discuss the content of the basic package of the obligatory health insurance scheme, expected to be implemented starting January 2017. Citizens will contribute in funds accumulation through payment of premiums, but what service will be offered to them for a better sexual reproductive health? To what extent are the citizens informed on the period when such services will be provided?

These questions were directed in the discussion which brought together representatives from the Ministry of Health, local institutions, international organizations and civil society representatives.

Dr. Arsim Cavdarbasha, the Director of the Health Financing Agency, opened the panel’s presentation by emphasizing that every process has a difficult start, but each start is a good sign of a change sought. As a result, with the consolidation of the services for offering the Health Insurance Scheme, the quantity, quality and access to health services in Kosovo will increase, continued Dr. Cavdarbasha, not emphasizing the specific sectors that will be affected. It is expected that amendments in the Law will be done during the first quarter of year 2017, to be followed by technical interventions that should be ratified in the Assembly.

Dr. Valbon Krasniqi, Political Advisor in the Ministry of Health, asserted that the necessary measures have been taken to ensure that the mandatory Health Insurance Scheme starts implementation in January 2017. The scheme will initially enable the coverage of the list of essential medicines, which is compiled with the input of the medical staff in the University Clinical Center of Kosovo, Dr. Valbon continued.

On the other hand, based on her experience in the field of sexual reproductive health and the lessons learned from numerous UNFPA experiences, Dr. Visare Mujko-Nimani valued the round table as an important undertaking, which could have been organized at an earlier period during the year. Dr. Mujko-Nimani,  expressed her concern about the health services pertaining to the pre and post-pregnancy and birth giving period. Will the basic package include preventive services such as cervical cancer screening, diabetes during pregnancy, treatment of sexually transmitted infections? Dr. Mujko-Nimani continued by sharing facts on successful mandatory health insurances around the world, which offer a wide range of medications and services for sexual reproductive health.

The skeptics shared their similar concerns emphasizing that the lack of information on the content of the basic package remains a concern for the experts present in the meeting, and recommended that comprehensive information provision to the citizens, including the medical personnel, on the content of the basic package is a necessity in order to start the collection of premiums, the mandatory health insurance scheme respectively.

The role of civil society is essential in the promotion, monitoring of citizens’ rights for easy access to information, means and methods of family planning. Coalition K10 will serve as an independent advocacy and monitoring body for the policies and laws implemented in the field of sexual reproductive health and reproductive rights. Open discussions will, thus, increase transparency and information provided to the citizens.

The Coalition K10 of organizations for sexual reproductive health and reproductive rights is established as a result of the cooperation between Action for Mothers and Children, Kosovo Health Foundation (KOPF), Peer Educators Network (PEN), Patients’ Rights Association in Kosovo (PRAK), Artpolis, Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), Kosovar Center for Fighting Breast Cancer (Jeta/Vita), Health for All, Kosovar Association for the Promotion, Advancement, and Protection of Adolescents (Shko-Pa-Msha), dhe the Association for Health Education and Development (AHED), and is financed by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Pilot project on cervical cancer screening ends successfully with over 1,500 free Pap-tests performed

14 December, 2016 – Pilot project on cervical cancer screening was launched months ago in Prishtina providing the opportunity of free examinations, or Pap-tests, for women in the Municipality of Prishtina, in three separate Family Medicine Centers. This project enables the early identification of abnormal cells in the cervix and their successful treatment. After months of dedicated work and intra-institutional cooperation, provision of free of charge Pap-tests will continue throughout next year in the three Family Medicine Centers in Prishtina.

After a successful campaign, more than 1,500 women have been screened and results available up to date show that 10.4% of the cases require further medical examination, while 0.7% of this number have a more serious diagnosis that due to timely examination, can be successfully and cost-effectively treated.

This pilot project enabled cervical cancer screening to be performed in the primary health care level for the first time, while simultaneously improving the cooperation with the tertiary health care level, namely the Institute of Pathology in the University Clinical Center of Kosovo. With the tireless work of the primary health care medical staff, 7 specialists of family medicine have been provided on-the-job training to perform Pap-tests through this pilot project.

This pilot project is a result of the cooperation between the Department for Health and Social Welfare in Municipality of Prishtina, National Board for Cancer Control, Ministry of Health, Main Family Medicine Center in Prishtina, Institute of Pathology at the University Clinical Center of Kosovo, United Nations Population Fund-UNFPA, World Health Organization-WHO, 700 for Science Foundation and is initiated and coordinated by Action for Mothers and Children.

The Municipality of Prishtina, specifically the Department for Health and Social Welfare now ensures that free Pap-tests will continue to be offered as a regular service in the Main Family Medicine Center, Family Medicine Center No. 5 and Family Medicine Center No. 6 in Prishtina even after the end of this project.

Action for Mothers and Children and other implementing partners will certainly provide their continuous support in implementing and promoting the national program of cervical cancer screening as a lawful right guaranteed by the law for all women.

Free of charge Pap-tests continue to be offered as a regular health care service in the mentioned primary health care facilities in the Municipality of Prishtina.

End of Year Letter

13 December 2016, Prishtina –

Dear friends,

Every day, mothers and children die due to lack of qualitative healthcare services and from diseases that are easy to cure. We at Action for Mothers and Children, along with many friends and partners, fight each day to change this. With friends and supporters like you, we are closer than ever to accomplish our goal, though the battle has not ended yet!

Today we are writing to thank you for being along our journey for all this year long and for supporting Action for Mothers and Children. As we struggle with holiday’s shopping lists and invitations, compounded by December’s cold weather, let us kindly be reminded that there are causes and vulnerable members around us who are worth this aggravation and an end-of-year gift. Blessed is the season that engages the whole community in acts of kindness and support, as we let another year go!

Thanks to your donations and support, the 2016 has been another exciting year at Action! Together, just as promised, we have:

• delivered 300 vials of Survanta medication for Kosovo babies. Around 250-300 babies are saved every year as a result of Survanta medication which is vital in developing lungs for premature babies;
• delivered 5 phototherapy lamps to the Neonatology Intensive Care Unit which are essential in treating jaundice in children;
• delivered essential medications worth of $150,000 to the Gynecology and Neonatology Clinics in the University Clinical Center of Kosovo (UCCK);
• have initiated the system of screening for retinopathy in premature babies for the first time in Kosovo, known as ROP Screening, which enables early diagnosis and helps prevent blindness in children;
• set up our 4^th and 5^th Women’s Health Resource Centers in Shterpce and Mitrovica where women receive unrestricted access to essential information about their pregnancy, labor and delivery, and newborn care, in their own language, which they would otherwise not have access to;
• established the first second-hand charity shop in Prishtina – Teshavesha – which mobilizes community members to collect and donate unused items, sells them to support mothers and children of Kosovo and employs marginalized women;
• initiated the cervical cancer screening program in Prishtina municipality for the first time which provides free Pap-tests for women. 1700 women have benefited from free testing on cervical cancer this year alone;
• launched the first online platform, beba-ks.com, which provides evidence-based health information for women and their families;
• established the K10 Coalition of organizations for sexual reproductive health and reproductive rights, being the first Coalition of its kind that gathers ten non-governmental organizations in a single body advocating for better reproductive health in Kosovo;

These achievements are all a result of your support and prove once again that humanitarian foundations cannot stand alone.

This year’s fundraising efforts of Cycle Kosovo for Children, Let’s Dance for Mothers and Children, Teshavesha and Meet Us Halfway make it possible for Action to continue its mission to save the lives of mothers and children in the Republic of Kosovo. In 2017 we will:

• Deliver the next set of Survanta medication to cover the national need for premature babies who need surfactant;
• Deliver cardio-pulmonary monitors to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, which enable the continuous monitoring of heart activity to detect and track any abnormalities in baby’s heart as well as other medical supplies and equipment for maternity wards around Kosovo;
• Start the transportation of babies from regional hospitals to Prishtina for the first time in Kosovo. Up to date, parents deliver babies for advanced treatment using their private cars, due to lack of a neonatal referral system and makes it difficult for many babies to survive;
• Continue providing and expanding free services of Women’s Health Resource Center so that more women have access to evidence-based information as well as extend the digital services of these centers which are proving to help mother deliver healthier babies;
• Expand our cervical cancer screening program in primary care centers and increase the number of women benefiting from free Pap-tests, while advocating on setting up the national cervical cancer screening program in Kosovo;
• Translate our research on birth characteristics in Kosovo into quality improvement programs and patient empowerment strategies towards improving the care delivered for mothers and children as well as addressing the national trend of Caesarean section rapid increase;
• Advocate for reproductive health services and rights through Coalition K10, a unified group of 10 stakeholders of the common goal;
• Bring you creative annual fundraising activities, such as, Cycle Kosovo for Children, Let’s Dance, Teshavesha, and Meet Us Halfway (Diaspora Event) where we can all together save the lives of mothers and children in Kosovo and continue to do good.

Your end-of-year gift today supports everything from Survanta medication delivery to complex cervical cancer screening, important neonatal transportation, the much-needed health resource centers and up to advocacy efforts on promoting qualitative healthcare as a right for Kosovo’s mothers and children!

Our team believes that every mother and child has a right to a healthy life, no matter where they live or what means they have. We believe that healthcare is a basic human right. And all our stakeholders work together to promote this right.

Our foundation is dedicated to the process of saving the lives of mothers and children in Kosovo, but we cannot do it without your support!

Give your end-of-year gift! Donate Now.

Thank you and warm wishes for the holiday season!

Action for Mothers and Children Delivers Lifesaving Medication to the University Clinical Center of Kosovo’s Neonatology Clinic

7 December, 2016 – More than 200 vials of Survanta medication were delivered today to the University Clinical Center of Kosovo’s Neonatology Clinic, in the amount of more than $130,000.00. This donation is granted through the successful and continuous cooperation among ‘Action for Mothers for Children’ and the international relief and development organization Americares as continuation of the long-standing cooperation with the Neonatology Clinic. This donation covers the national need for year 2017.

Infants who experience respiratory distress lack sufficient amounts of surfactant – the liquid coats inside the lungs. Babies usually don’t start producing surfactant until a few weeks after they are born. Thus, Survanta is vital for prevention and treatment of RDS (Respiratory Distress Syndrome) and reduces the infant mortality rate. Over the past 10 years, the Survanta donations have saved the lives of 1,000 premature, low-weight babies in Kosovo. Americares, the world’s leading nonprofit provider of donated medicine and medical supplies, distributes the medication through its Access to Medicine program.

“We are pleased to provide another year’s supply of Survanta to help premature newborns,” states Albiona Beha from Action for Mothers and Children at the delivery site.

This lifesaving medication is donated by Americares and AbbVie in the USA in partnership with Action for Mothers and Children. Its arrival in Kosovo is made possible by 2016 fundraising events, such as Let’s Dance 2 in Prishtina, Kosovo, and Meet Us Halfway in New York, USA.

AMC signs agreement with IPKO Foundation as recipient of their Sponsorship Program in the amount of 500 Euro

6 December, 2016 – Action for Mothers and Children signs agreement with IPKO Foundation as the  grant recipient of their Sponsorship Program. IPKO Foundation will support the development of the existing mobile application for pregnant women and baby tracker in the amount of 500 Euro.

This application, currently in-development by AMC, is the first of its kind in Albanian language and in Kosovo. The mobile app offers a user-friendly source of information that is free to use. The grant received from IF will help develop features that will complete this app in entirety and offer a bigger variety of information that can better accompany mothers during their pregnancies.

Dr. Geroge A. Little is presented The Virginia Apgar Award

We congratulate Dr. George A. Little on being presented with The Virginia Apgar Award at #NCE2016! This award is the highest recognition in neonatal perinatal medicine and is given to individuals whose career has had a continuing influence on the well-being of newborn infants.

Dr. Little. Board Member at Action for Mothers and Children, has dedicated his time and expertise to ensure that all newborns, everywhere, have access to high quality healthcare they deserve and need to survive and grow healthy!

Dr. Little is emeritus professor of pediatrics and emeritus professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Children’s Hospital. A neonatology pioneer who set up one of the first neonatal intensive care units, he co-founded the Vermont/New Hampshire Regional Perinatal Program. – AAP News.

K10 – the Coalition of non-governmental organizations for sexual reproductive health and reproductive rights is launched

Pristina, 10 November, 2016 – In an official ceremony today, K10 Coalition for sexual reproductive health and reproductive rights is launched, being the first Coalition of its kind that gathered ten non-governmental organizations in a single body.

K10 Coalition, which is coordinated by Action for Mothers and Children, aims to monitor and advance the policies, legal infrastructure and increase awareness on sexual reproductive health and reproductive rights in Kosovo through consistent advocacy work, based on evidence and through mobilization of the civil society in a single Coalition that will advocate for increased governmental focus on reproductive health, including advocating for offering these services as part of the basic package of services within the health insurance scheme.

“Action for Mothers and Children prioritizes the improvement of sexual reproductive health, and in this way, better healthcare for mothers and children. K10 Coalition will serve as an advocacy body that will independently monitor policies and laws implemented in the field of reproductive health,” declared Dafina Krasniqi, Program Coordinator at Action for Mothers and Children.

To maintain one’s sexual and reproductive health, people need access to accurate information and the safe, effective, affordable and acceptable contraception method of their choice. They must be informed and empowered to protect themselves from sexually transmitted infections, and when they decide to have children, women must have access to services that can help them have a fit pregnancy, safe delivery and healthy baby.

“K10 Coalition will support and facilitate the initiatives of its member organizations, including strategic communication, cooperation and collective advocacy for policies for the wellbeing of women, youngsters and the entire Kosovar community to promote inclusiveness,” added Dr. Visare Mujko-Nimani from the United Nations Population Fund – UNFPA, Kosovo Office.

This project is financed by the United Nations Population Fund – UNFPA, Kosovo Office, and is supported by the Ministry of Health.

AMC is awarded a grant of 3,995 Eur from Kosova Women’s Fund

On November 10, a media conference organized by Kosova Women’s Network officially announced the grant recipients of the Kosova Women’s Fund, among which ‘Action for Mothers and Children’ is also a grant beneficiary for the amount of 3,995 Eur. 

Through this grant, we aim to advocate for strengthening of the existing Women’s Health Resource Centers by expanding the curricula to cover the post-natal depression subject, so that women can have more information on healthcare during and after pregnancy; train the Center’s staff on this new subject, develop educational and promotional videos, as well as establish an agreement in institutional level to revise the Pregnancy Notebook, that is used in healthcare institutions, by adding information on WHRCs.

Action for Mothers and Children raises $44,630 in New York

New York, 06 November 2016- Foundation ‘Action for Mothers and Children’ (AMC) from Pristina, Kosovo, held its Fundraiser in the United States, at the Russian Tea Room, New York, on November 2, 2016, starting from 17:30 – 19:30.

Many supporters of AMC’s work gathered to make this evening a success. With over 100 guests in attendance, people from business, culture, politics and the arts, the event highlights were the speeches delivered by Valerie Rockefeller Wayne, Chair of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, and Dua Lipa, singer, songwriter and patron of ‘Sunny Hill’ Foundation. Both our speakers spoke about the importance of building new relations between the philanthropic community of Kosovo and the United States, and help encourage fundraising towards lowering child and maternal mortality rates in Kosovo. Distinguished guests included Albert Stanaj, Gezim Nika, and other honorable guests.

By the end of the event, many guests supported the cause and donated at the two-hour reception. Co-Chairs of the Fundraiser include personalities from both Kosovo and the States, such as: Richard Lukaj, Bekim Ahmetaj, James C. Strickler, Michael Gold, Haki Abazi and Fadil Berisha. The Consulate of Kosovo in New York and the Embassy of Kosovo in the United States have provided their support early on and endorsed the event, helping introduce the work of AMC to the philanthropic community in New York and beyond.

The success of the evening would not have been possible without support benefactors like the Lukaj Foundation, Doro Group Restaurant, Russian Tea Room, Dr. James C. Strickler, Harry Bajraktari, Fadil Berisha and many others who have helped this evening become a reality.

The evening concluded on a positive note, promising our new friends that the raised funding will make a difference in the lives of mothers and children in Kosovo.

More than 1,000 free Pap-tests performed in the scope of the pilot project for cervical cancer screening

The pilot project for cervical cancer screening continues to be implemented successfully as the first pilot project of its kind in the level of the primary health care, in the Municipality of Prishtina. Since its launch in July, this project enabled the free screening of more than 1000 women in three family medicine centers in Prishtina, specifically in the Main Family Medicine Center in Qafa, Family Medicine Center 5 in Ulpiane, and Family Medicine Center 5 in Bregu i Diellit.

This success stems from the increased interest of women to perform Pap-tests and the vigorous work of the medical staff in the Centers and the Institute of Pathology at the UCCK.

In continuity of its implementation, all women in the Municipality of Prishtina are invited to do their Pap-smears for free. Promotional materials with information on testing centers and schedules are distributed in all Family Medicine Centers, while interest women can also refer to the informative video on social media.

This pilot project is a result of the cooperation between the Department for Health and Social Welfare in Municipality of Prishtina, National Board for Cancer Control, Main Family Medicine Center in Prishtina, Institute of Pathology at the University Clinical Center of Kosovo, Action for Mothers and Children, 700 for Science Foundation, World Health Organization-office in Prishtina and the United Nations Population Fund-office in Prishtina.

Action for mothers and children delivers medications worth 150,000 USD to University Clinical Center of Kosovo

The cooperation agreement signed between Action for Mother and Children and Direct Relief months ago, and Ministry of Health,  made possible to deliver essential medicaments worth 150,000 USD, in Clinic of Gynecology and Neonatology in University Clinical Center of Kosovo (UCCK) on November 24, 2016.

Our foundation has reached agreement with “Direct Relief” organization, to support with medicaments and medical equipment in hospitals throughout Kosovo, which provide services for mother and children. Delivery and acceptance of first donation worth 150.000 USD, made today in central pharmacy magazine in UCCK. “We Hope this will be the first of more donations, expecting to come in future in Kosovo”, said Albiona Beha, from Action for Mother and Children (AMC).

Cooperation agreement between AMC and Direct Relief provides, that the latter, will give the medical equipment donation, including medicines consistently for Kosovo. Action for Mother and Children will provide acceptance, maintenance, preservation and distribution of donation received.

“The help that is coming from Action for Mother and Children, is to be appreciated and we are very grateful to foundation and all its partners,” declared Dr. Myrvete Pacarada, director of Gynecology and Neonatology Clinic in UCCK.

Direct Relief is a non-profit organization in USA, and works to support activities of its partners, providing essential materials and medical equipment to developing countries. Arrival of this first contingent in Kosovo, made possible thanks to donations collated from the event “Let’s dance for Mother and Children”.

Coalition K10 strengthens structure and defines main objectives of its advocacy work for year 2017

Prishtina, 7 October 2016-

On September 30 and October 1, K10 Coalition conducted a two-day workshop with the aim of regulating the internal organizational and decision making structure and to establish the working plan for the next year.

The attendees of the workshop that was organized Action for Mothers and Children were the representatives from the member organizations in the Coalition, who also constitute the Members Assembly. This workshop enabled the development of the discussions based on the experience of various organizations to identify key areas and objectives where the Coalition can successfully carry out advocacy work. During the meetings held, the Members Assembly voted on and selected the Chair of Board and Board members of the Coalition, and created a draft work plan for the work of advocacy objectives for 2017. Besides the valuable contribution of the members of the Coalition, the creation of the draft work plan was achieved through an interactive process facilitated by professionals in the field of reproductive and sexual health and advocacy work, namely Dr. Edona Deva and Dr. Lulzim Cela.

The Coalition of organizations for sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights is a project funded by the Fund for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Women’s Health Resource Center receives new donations

Australian Embassy in Vienna continues to support the Foundation’s educational programs

Prishtina, 4 October 2016-

With the successful launch of the long-awaited website, first of its kind in Kosovo, Beba-ks, we are happy to announce that the projects carried out by Action for Mothers and Children continue to receive donor support. The Australian Embassy in Vienna and Action for Mothers and Children have signed the agreement for the second phase of the development of the educational program in the online platform. This agreement represents a continuation of the previous financial support received by the Australian Embassy, which resulted in the opening of a new Women’s Health Resource Center.

The online educational platform BEBA-KS is launched

Prishtina, 30 September 2016-

As part of our goals to extend the services of our Women’s Health Resource Centers, we are proud to launch the evidence-based online platform accessible in three languages for mothers, fathers and family members in Kosovo.

Girl or boy: who or what decides?; Is breastfeeding meant to hurt?; How to be a super dad? – are just few of a lot of interesting questions and important information you can find in Beba-ks.com.

In this online platform you can find tools and resources for breastfeeding techniques, birth delivery techniques, contraction timer, relief methods, prenatal tests, immunizations guide and a lot of videos on physical exercises during pregnancy without questioning the credibility of the information read.

At Beba-ks we give you the facts so you can make the right choices for you and your family. You won’t read opinion or rumor here, only the latest in evidence-based information taken from leading sources around the world and in Kosovo. Beba-ks is the only website of its kind, offering advice in three languages, and tailored to your experience in Kosovo. Our mission is to help you have the best pregnancy, childbirth and new parenting experience possible, and in the process we hope this helps to save lives.

Access to evidence-based information is an important factor towards quality improvement in healthcare and reducing maternal and child mortality rates. Kosovo continues to have high maternal and child mortality rates.

We invite you to visit our platform at www.beba-ks.com and help us share the news with your friends!

The Charity Shop “Teshavesha” re-opens in a permanent location and brings the “Designers’ Week”

Prishtina, 27 September 2016 –

The charity shop “Teshavesha” re-opens in a permanent location and brings the “Designers’ Week” starting today. The store is now permanently located in Nazim Gafurri street, on the way to Germia park, where Lalloshi Couture used to be.

“After two months of successful pilot operation during the summer, we are moving into a bigger and permanent location and bringing new collections. The encouraging support from our community members who kept donating and buying at our store, made us move into this bigger space and bring interesting activities for our clients,” says Janine Mehmeti, fundraising and event coordinator at Action for Mothers and Children.

Supported by well known fashion designers as Besë, Drenusha Xharra, Yllka Brada and Menakon, Teshavesha is hosting the “Designers’ Week” upon re-opening. During this week our designer friends have donated their collections to be sold at symbolic prices in our store. Such an idea, developed by Arta Istrefi and Linda Baleta from Empower Private Sector, will continuously support our store increase sales.

The charity shop “Teshavesha” is open every day from 10.00-18.00 and from 12.00-16.00 on Saturdays where citizens can visit and bring donations, buy our collections and participate in our Designers’ Week.

The second hand charity shop “Teshavesha” has been opened in July this year from Action for Mothers and Children. In this charity shop, our community members have the opportunity to donate clothes for men, women and children, toys, small home decorations, and accessories which will be sold at symbolic prices and generate revenue that will support Action for Mothers and Children’s programs. The store at the same time employs marginalized women.

Let’s Dance Event raises Eur 32,175 for mothers and children

Prishtina, 24 September 2016-

For the second year in a row, Action for Mothers and Children brought together over 400 people in the fundraising event “Let’s Dance”, which took place at Sheshi 21. The event, which is already a tradition, raises funds for health-care services benefiting mothers and children in Kosovo.

The amount raised this year through corporate sponsorships and ticket sales reached €32,175, making this a sensational success, surpassing at large the €24,000 raised in December 2015. Most importantly, the funds raised will go to the programs and services dedicated to mothers and children by making it possible for AMC to supply medications and medical equipment for hospitals, support the national program on neonatal transportation and expand the services of Women’s Health Resource Center which all contribute towards lowering maternal and child mortality rates in Kosovo.

“We are humbled by the generosity of our growing number of friends who have contributed to making “Let’s Dance” such a successful joint effort of showing support to mothers and children who face health-related challenges,” says Mrika Aliu, Executive Director of the Foundation.

“It is a real pleasure to see so many people supporting such a good cause as mothers and children of Kosovo. We thank all sponsors and those who purchased tickets to make the Let’s Dance 2 such a big success,” says Michael Gold, Executive Director at Crimson Capital who is also a co-organizer.

The fundraising dance event was supported through sponsorships by: Crimson Capital (platinum sponsor), Banka Ekonomike, Banka për Biznes, NLB Banka, and Bechtel Enka (gold sponsors), Roche, Vitaminka, KEP Trust, 3CIS, Komot, Solidar Suisse, and Cacttus (silver sponsors) and FINCA, AmCham Kosovo, AmCham Arbitration Center, American School of Kosovo, Universum, International Development Ireland, International Finance Corporation, Meridian, ProCredit Bank and Sharrcem (bronze sponsors). The event offered a wonderful atmosphere thanks to the in-kind sponsors: Perla Events, VM3, Bllok.org, Umami, Hambar, Trosha, Edona 5, Stone Castle, Sefa Wine, Birra Prishtina, Birra Sabaja, Frutomania & Karl Gega, Rugove, Agna Group, Translation Center, Lulishtja Labi, Reks Balloons, Sweet Vesa, studio Angel. We thank String String, Florent Abrashi, Nita Latifi and Adrian Berisha for the music.

The Let’s Dance event was organized by Action for Mothers and Children and Crimson Capital and with support from RTV Dukagjini.

“Let’s dance for mothers and children” event comes again in Kosovo!

Prishtina, 13 September 2016-

Under the motto that is already known to all, we’re organizing the annual fundraising event “Let’s Dance” for the second year in a row to be held on September 22, Square 21 in Pristina, starting at 20:00.

Funds raised from this event will fund health programs in gynecological/obstetric clinics, neonatal intensive care units and pediatric clinics taking care of children suffering from leukemia, heart disease, asthma and other diseases.

Last year, this event raised over € 24,000 from company sponsorships and ticket sales. “Thanks to the funds raised from the evening of Let’s Dance 1, hospitals and health care centers in Kosovo have more resources to treat babies born prematurely or suffering from serious diseases, as well as mothers at risk,” says Mrika Aliu, Executive Director of “Action for Mothers and Children.”

The support from last year helped us realize so many activities this year including that of delivery of 300 vials of surfactant, an essential medication that helps premature babies develop lungs and breathe, deliver 5 photo-lamps for jaundice treatment in babies, and open two addition women’s health resource centers in Mitrovica and Sterpce so that more women can have access to evidence-based counseling.

“This year, we aim to raise more funds to expand our support to maternal and child health facilities,” continues Ms. Aliu. The plan for this year is to provide cardiopulmonary monitors used to measure breathing in babies, continue delivery of surfactant and many other medications needed to save children, to provide equipment for the transport system of newborns, as well as expand women’s health resource centers.

“We invite you all to join us. The Let’s Dance evening is held on September 22, Square 21, starting from 20:00. The price of entry is € 30 per person and includes drinks, food and music performance from String String, Gamblemania and other artists. The money collected from tickets will directly support our programs, as event expenses are covered in-kind,” says Ms. Aliu.

The organization is supported by numerous sponsors. Crimson Capital is the platinum sponsor and co-organizer of the event. Gold sponsors are BPB, Banka Ekonomike, NLB Prishtina and Bechtel Enka. Silver sponsors are Hoffman La Roche, Komot Pharm, 3CIS, Kep Trust and Solidar Suisse Kosovo. Bronze sponsors are Finca Kosovo, American School of Kosova and International Development Ireland. Media sponsor and supporter of the event is Radio Dukagjini.

Other sponsors of the event are: Stone Castle, Sefa Wine, Perla Events, Bllok.org, VM3, Birra Prishtina, Birra Sabaja, Rugove, Edona 5, Translation Center, Agna Group, Hambar, Umami, Trosha and Frutomania.

Tickets can be purchased at: Bon Vivant, Soma Book Station, Jete o Jete, Babaganoush, Radio Dukagjini, RTC Consulting, Gym, Mezzeria, Morena Bar, Ethno’s, Prince Coffee House or directly at the offices of Action for Mothers and Children.

Trainings organized for capacity building for Coalition K10 successfully completed

Prishtina, 9 September 2016-

Past week, trainings organized with the aim of capacity building for advocacy for the civil society organizations, member of the Coalition for sexual reproductive health and reproductive rights, have been successfully completed. The training package included five (5) trainings, organized in the period 18 August – 7 September, with various topics that aim at capacity building for members of the Coalition on topics covered. These include an introduction to reproductive health and reproductive health rights, current situation in Kosovo, advocacy strategies, research methods, and effective communication means to transmit the message and change policies and legal framework.

The training package has been determined based on the professional assessment of the members of the coalition and their experience in advocacy in the field of reproductive health.

Action for Mothers and Children, in the capacity of the Coalition Coordinator and organizer of trainings, considers that trainings have focused on topics that will be essential during planning of the activities of the Coalition with the purpose of increasing awareness and improving the legal framework and policies related to reproductive health and reproductive health rights. Trainers were individuals with experience in the topics they covered and were able to initiate discussions and experience sharing sessions among members.

The Coalition of organizations for sexual reproductive health and reproductive rights is established as a result of the cooperation between Action for Mothers and Children, Kosovo Health Foundation (KOPF), Peer Educators Network (PEN), Patients’ Rights Association in Kosovo (PRAK), Artpolis, Kosovo Women’s Network (KWN), Kosovar Center for Fighting Breast Cancer (Jeta/Vita), Health for All, Kosovar Association for the Promotion, Advancement, and Protection of Adolescents (Shko-Pa-Msha), dhe the Association for Health Education and Development (AHED), and is financed by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

The pilot project on cervical cancer screening continues to be succesfully implemented in the Municipality of Prishtina

Prishtina, 23 August 2016-

The pilot project providing free Pap-smears for cervical cancer screening continues to be successfully implemented in the Municipality of Prishtina. Since the launch of this pilot project in July, more than 120 women have been screened and had their Pap-smears in one of the three Family Medicine Centers in Prishtina.

This pilot project targets screening 2,000 women of ages 25 to 50 years old until 30 November 2016. This pilot phase represents a great opportunity for early detection and prevention of cervical cancer, which is the second most common type of cancer among women. Screening allows for early detection of abnormal cells and as a result, their successful treatment.

In continuity of its implementation, all women in the Municipality of Prishtina are invited to do their Pap-smears for free in the Main Family Medicine Center at Qafa, in Family Medicine Center 5 in Ulpiana, and in Family Medicine Center 6 at Bregu in Diellit.

The promotional video inviting for free Pap-smears has also been launched and distributed through media and social networks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbzQQXBls64

This pilot project is the first of its kind in Kosovo and is a result of the cooperation between the Department for Health and Social Welfare in Municipality of Prishtina, National Board for Cancer Control, Main Family Medicine Center in Prishtina, Institute of Pathology at the University Clinical Center of Kosovo, Action for Mothers and Children, 700 for Science Foundation, World Health Organization-office in Prishtina and the United Nations Population Fund-office in Prishtina.

The educational program taught at our Women’s Health Resource Centers is accredited by the Ministry of Health

Prishtina, 12 August 2016-

The training program that is taught at our Women’s Health Resource Centers receives accreditation points from the Board for Continuous Medical Education at the Ministry of Health. This achievement is a result of excellent cooperation between Women’s Health Resource Centers, The Development Center for Primary Care, and the Family Medicine Centers where our resource centers operate.

As a result of this accreditation, the personnel at primary care facilities, who at the same time work at our Women’s Health Resource Centers, will receive 15 credit points that is counted towards their credit requirements for re-licensing in the Ministry of Health and are certified to teach the program at our Women’s Health Resource Centers.

Women’s Health Resource Center is a program initiated by the Action for Mothers and Children in 2014 and aims at offering free evidence-based information to women and their partners on antenatal and postnatal care. At these Centers, group and individual counseling is offered in a bright, colorful, comfortable and private room. Participants are offered practical education on nutrition, pregnancy phases, preparing for labor, the delivery process, physical exercises, newborn care and breastfeeding. Posters, props and videos complement the hands-on learning, which uses exercises, games and role-play to better convey information. Participants receive take-home material on the topic discussed and are offered a follow-up contact with the Center midwife. Those Centers also aim to empower the patients and healthcare providers towards shared decision making and patient-centered care.

Women’s Health Resource Centers exist in 5 locations in Kosovo as of today. Action for Mothers and Children has also launched today the video campaign for those important centers.  See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLEnFFd9yVg

Memorandum of Understanding signed with Direct Relief for medical material donations

Prishtina, 1 August 2016-

Action for Mothers and Children has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Direct Relief in support of efforts to provide essential medical material and medications. Direct Relief is a nonprofit public benefit corporation, based in the State of California – USA, with a mission to improve the health and lives of people. Direct Relief works to strengthen the efforts of its partners through the provision of resources, including financial, technical, and essential medical material and shares a common concern with Action for Mothers and Children for the health and welfare of the population in Kosovo.

This agreement regulates the collaboration between AMC and Direct Relief, whereby Direct Relief will provide donations of medical materials, including but not limited to medications, on ongoing basis. Action for Mothers and Children will ensure the receipt, safe storage and distribution process of the received materials. This collaboration is effective as of July 2016 and is of high importance in our efforts to assist family medicine centers and the hospital with medications and other medical materials that prevent and treat diseases and to enable the delivery of quality health services for mothers and children.

Bank Street Charity Invitational raises nearly $10,000 for mothers and children in Kosovo

Prishtina, 18 July 2016-

Bank Street Group, a leading investment banking firm serving the technology, media and telecommunications sectors, hosted the Second Annual Bank Street Charity Invitational at the Burning Tree Country Club in Greenwich, CT last month. As the title sponsor, Bank Street, along with co-sponsors backed several teams who each played for the benefit of their selected charities.

“The Bank Street Charity Invitational was sponsored in the longstanding tradition at Bank Street, where every member of our team is expected not only to be a leader in the industry sectors we compete in but also in our broader global community,” said Richard Lukaj, Senior Managing Director of Bank Street Group and Board Member at Action for Mothers and Children.

Proceeds from the Bank Street Charity Invitational will benefit nearly two dozen charities, among which also Action for Mothers and Children in Kosovo. “It was an honor and pleasure to support a great foundation which helps advance health services and care for mothers and children in a developing part of the world.  We were fortunate to have an opportunity to gather at a wonderful venue to raise awareness of impactful foundations such as AMC,” says Bekim Ahmetaj, AMC board member and golf-player for AMC.

To learn more about the Bank Street Charity Invitational, please visit www.bankstreetinvitational.com.

Second hand charity shop for Action for Mothers and Children now open

Prishtina, 12 July 2016-

In an official ceremony, Action for Mothers and Children opened the second hand charity shop “Teshavesha” in Prishtina.

The shop has mobilized citizens, artists, companies, and other organizations to collect second hand items and donate them to our store which are sold at very affordable prices to generate money for maternal and child health programs in Kosovo. Such initative received tremendous support from citizens, well known designers as Agensa Vuthaj, Egzon Kazagiqi, as well as many institutional partners such as SCAAK, American School of Kosova, VM3 and Origano balloons.

“Dearest parents out there, we now have an excellent opportunity to contribute to this store together with our children. Let us also use this initiative to create some tiny important habits for our children to become responsible community members. We are happier when we see our community service habits being developed in our children. We are happier when we are part of a great cause,” states Ardiana Bunjaku, Chair of the Board.

“The charity shop ‘Teshavesha’ employs marginalized women, sells brand known clothing for men, women and children at very low prices and supports mothers and children, all at the same time, in one shot,” declares Janine Mehmeti, the fundraising and event coordinator at Action for Mothers and Children.

In this charity shop, our community members have the opportunity to donate clothes for men, women and children, toys, small home decorations, and accessories which will be sold at symbolic prices and generate revenue that will support Action for Mothers and Children’s programs. The store is located behind Zahir Pajaziti boulevard (at SCAAK’s offices) and is opened every day from 10.00-19.00. While the item collection points will be at SCAAK’s offices, American School of Kosova (ASK) and Action for Mothers and Children’s main offices.

The Pilot Project on Cervical Cancer Screening is launched in the Municipality of Prishtina

Prishtina, 6 July 2016-

In an official ceremony today, the pilot project on Cervical Cancer Screening in the Municipality of Prishtina is launched for the first time in Kosovo. Today’s event presented the pilot project on cervical cancer screening in Prishtina, which is part of the national program for cancer control. This project introduces the cervical cancer screening as a new service within primary care centers in Prishtina and aims to have this municipality become the success story for setting up the cervical cancer screening program nation-wide throughout other municipalities in Kosovo.

Today’s event was oppened by Dr. Izet Sadiku, the Deputy Minister of Health who guaranteed that the Ministry will support this whole project as foreseen by the strategy of the National Board for Cancer Control and promised that his institution will provide sustainable funding to disposable materials related to the project after its pilot phase.

“During the pilot phase approximately 2000 women aged 25-50 and living in Prishtina will be screened, the capacities among family doctors will be built so that screening is offered within the primary care centers, and the procedural protocols that regulate the multidisciplinary work between the primary and tertiary care levels will be established,” stated Dr. Arben Vitia, the Director for Health and Social Welfare in Municipality of Prishtina. “Setting up an efficient and qualitative cervical cancer screening program is a basic patient right, is guaranteed under the Law on Reproductive Health, and is also planned by the National Program for Cancer Control,” declared prof.dr. Suzana Manxhuka-Kerliu, dean and president of National Board for Cancer Control.

While appreciating the initators and supporters of this project, Dr. Ramadan Sopa ended his speach on behalf of the University Clinical Center of Kosovo, re-emphasizing the importance of screening for cervical cancer when it is still the second most common cancer in women. “Women living in Prishtina now have the opportunity to do Pap-tests for free in the Main Family Medicine Center, Family Medicine Center number 5 and Family Medicine Center number 6. All the educational materials are already in the primary care centers around Prishtina where women can get more details on how to set appointments,” adds Mrika Aliu, Executive Director at Action for Mothers and Children.

Screening for cervical cancer helps early detection of pre-cancerous cells and is evidenced to be effective in preventing cervical cancer in many countries around the globe when done efficiently.

This pilot project is a result of the cooperation between the Department for Health and Social Welfare in Municipality of Prishtina, National Board for Cancer Control, Ministry of Health, Main Family Medicine Center in Prishtina, Institute of Pathology at the University Clinical Center of Kosovo, and is supported by the United Nations Population Fund-UNFPA, the World Health Organization-WHO, 700 for Science Foundation and Action for Mothers and Children.

The memorandum of cooperation to set up the cervical cancer screening program within the Municipality of Prishtina is signed

This memorandum of cooperation enables the pilot of cervical cancer screening program within Municipality of Prishtina, as part of the National Program for Cancer Control in Kosovo  

Prishtina, 10 June 2016-

We are happy to announce that we have signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Municipality of Prishtina – department for health and social welfare and the University Clinical Center of Kosovo to pilot the cervical cancer screening program. This cooperation supports the introduction of screening for cervical cancer as a new service within primary care in Prishtina and aims to have this municipality as a case study to set up the cervical cancer screening program nation-wide throughout other municipalities in Kosovo.

With the current pilot approximately 2000 living in Prishtina women will be screened, the capacities among family doctors will be built so that the service integrated  within the primary care, and the procedural protocol will be established that defines the system of cooperation between the primary and tertiary care levels (considering the Institute of Pathology in UCCK is the only cytological laboratory in Kosovo). The campaign calling to join free screening will be launched in the following days.

On top of introducing cervical cancer screening as a new service within primary care, partners involved aim to create policy discussions advocating for a nation-wide cervical cancer screening program in Kosovo, in line with the National Program for Cancer Control.

The cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women. Screening for cervical cancer helps early detection of pre-cancerous cells and is evidenced to be effective in preventing cervical cancer in many countries around the globe.

This pilot project is a result of the cooperation between the Department for Health and Social Welfare in Municipality of Prishtina, National Board for Cancer Control, Main Family Medicine Center in Prishtina, Institute of Pathology at the University Clinical Center of Kosovo, Action for Mothers and Children, 700 for Science Foundation, World Health Organization-office in Prishtina and the United Nations Population Fund-office in Prishtina.

AMC and UNMIK sign the second grant agreement to develop the online platform of Women’s Health Resource Center

Prishtina, 9 June 2016-

After a successful cooperation in setting up the Women’s Health Resource Center in Sterpce, UNMIK support AMC to develop the online platform of the Women’s Health Resource Center. Those Centers bring together women from all ethnic and social backgrounds to share in basic life-saving education for free at the community level. These centers provide group and individual counseling on antenatal and postnatal care for women and their partners.

The online platform of the center will come soon in three languages providing evidence-based information on pregnancy, newborn care, breastfeeding, daddy’s toolkits, videos and a lot more! This platform will help you all get hands-on learning, providing evidence-based information.

Cycle Kosovo for Children raises Eur 13,179.80 for mothers and children

Prishtina, 8 June 2016-

After 3 days of cycling around Kosovo, the cyclists returned back in Prishtina this past Sunday where they were welcomed by their family and friends. In the morning of June 3rd, a group of around 30 cyclists started their 3-day cycling tour around Kosovo for a total distance of 500km for the third year now. This cycling event is a charity event to raise funds for mothers and children in Kosovo.

This year’s event managed to raise Eur 13,179.80 through corporate sponsorships, individual online contributions and the raffle prizes during the end of event fundraiser held last Sunday at Beer Garden in Prishtina. The online contributions will continue to be accepted for another two weeks.

Albion Hadri, cyclist and one of the organizers, says “We closed the Cycle Kosovo for Children as a very successful event this year too. Although we were tired cycling this whole distance around Kosovo, the cause for which we were pedaling was stronger. All the cyclists got back safe and we all did it successfully.”

Cycle Kosovo for Children is a three-day cycle ride around Kosovo to raise money for Action for Mothers and Children in support of its supply programs for the Neonatology Intensive Care Unit at the main hospital in Prishtina.

“Action for Mothers and Children could not exist without its friends and supporters, like cyclists. We are very grateful to organizers and all the cyclists. The money raised this year aims to purchase cardiopulmonary monitors for maternity ward that tracks the baby’s heart and breathing rates. This for sure helps improve the efficiency of care delivered for premature babies,” states Mrika Aliu, the executive director at Action for Mothers and Children.

The event has been successfully run both in 2014 and 2015 and is growing every year. The money raised in 2014 managed to secure the CRP/CBC equipment for Neonatology Intensive Care Unit in Prishtina, which allows the staff to conduct blood analysis at baby’s bedside, instead of labs outside the clinic. The 2015 event managed to secure phototherapy lamps, which are essential in treating jaundice in children. This annual event is an initiative of two international cyclists living in Kosovo and was supported by Eulex, Kosovo Police and sponsored by Devolli Corporation, Astes Turkey, Rugove, BpB, Shtepiaku, On Line Studio, MoneyGram, UniProject, European Auto Care, Entermedia, VM3, and Beer Garden.

More than 30 nurses and midwifes benefit from the professional training and exchange of experiences with Georgia

Prishtina, 6 June 6 2016-

We are happy to announce a successful ending of the professional training and workshop with the expert from Georgia on the importance of patient empowerment and communication through Women’s Health Resource Centers for all the nurses, midwifes and family doctors engaged in those centers.

“Georgia and Kosovo share similar health systems and challenges to its maternal and newborn health outcomes. Quality improvement initiatives, including the creation of Women’s Health Resource Centers, have led to dramatic improvements in survival rates for mothers and their babies in Georgia, all this as a result of facilitating the patient-doctor communication and patient empowerment” – says Dr. Tinatin Gagua, visiting Asst. Professor from Georgia.

In this professional training, hosted by Action for Mothers and Children, approximately 30 nurses, midwifes and family doctors from Prishtina, Ferizaj, Sterpce, Mitrovica (where current women’s health resource centers exist) , as well as Gjilan, Obiliq, Prizren and Kacanik (where the new women’s health resource centers are being planned to be open) have participated. Dr. Tinatin addressed the medical community from UCCK, regional hospitals, family medicine centers around Kosovo as well as medical students in the Telemedicine Center of Kosova with the lecture “Pathway to Improving Maternal & Newborn Health: Lessons from Georgia”, discussing the process that has led to 50% reduction in postpartum hemorrhage and to 90% of newborn receiving essential newborn care, all while achieving a 25% cost reduction per delivery. Dr. Tinatin also drove paralles for adoption in Kosovo.

“The Women’s Health Resource Centers are an initiative of Action for Mothers and Children, which offer free counseling for women and their partners on antenatal and postnatal care in a comfortable relaxing room. This is what Georgia has done as well, and during these days we learned on their experiences and the pathway that Kosovo should follow to improve the maternal and child health outcomes” – adds Albiona Beha from Action for Mothers and Children.

Kosovo continues to have high maternal and infant mortality rates. One of the causes of this high mortality rate is also lack of evidence-based information on nutrition, antenatal care, delivery process, and newborn care. In Women’s Health Resource Centers more that 2,500 women have benefited from evidence-based information received on antenatal and postnatal care. Evidence-based information is cruical in helping improve maternal and child health outcomes and this has been proven in many countries around the world. This is the path that Kosovo is aiming through Women’s Health Reource Centers as well.

This important training and visit has been made possible thorugh the support of Czech Embassy in Kosovo and is supported by the Department for Maternal and Child Health from the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization, office in Prishtina.

The “Cycle Kosovo for Children” 2016 event started today

A group of 30 cyclists started their cycling tour this morning to raise funds for mothers and children in Kosovo.

Prishtina, 3 June 2016-

Today, a group of 30 cyclists start their cycling tour around Kosovo for three days, for a total distance of 500km with 5000m of climbing. The cyclists, wearing black T-shirts took off from Prishtina this morning heading to Mitrovica, Peja, Gjakova, Prizren, Ferizaj, Gjilan, Kamenica and back in Prishtina on Sunday, June 5^th at the end of event fundraiser at Beer Garden at 18.00hrs.

Cycle Kosovo for Children is a three-day cycle ride around Kosovo to raise money for Action for Mothers and Children. The event has been successfully run both in 2014 and 2015 and is growing every year.

Albion Hadri, one of the organizers of this event and a cyclist himself states, “We are very happy with the number of cyclists who have joined the event this year. This is not a race, rather a charity cycling tour. Thus we would like to kindly ask for patience and support from all the citizens and drivers while we pass through villages and roads around Kosovo.”

This annual charity event raises funds for Action for Mothers and Children to support its supply programs. The event was organized for the first time in 2014 and the money raised managed to secure the CRP/CBC equipment for Neonatology Intensive Care Unit in Prishtina, which allows the staff to conduct blood analysis at baby’s bedside, instead of labs outside the clinic. The 2015 event managed to secure phototherapy lamps, which are essential in treating jaundice in children. This year’s event is raising money to purchase cardiopulmonary monitors for maternity ward that tracks the baby’s heart and breathing rates.

The end of event fundraiser is open to all interested citizens to join on Sunday, June 5^th, at Beer Garden in Prishtina starting at 18.00hrs. While we welcome back all the cyclists, the event will also host live music and a raffle of prizes to raise as much money as possible for Action for Mothers and Children.

This event is an initiative of two international cyclists living in Kosovo and is supported strongly by Eulex, Kosovo Police and sponsored by Devolli Corporation, Astes Turkey, Rugove, BpB, Shtepiaku, On Line Studio, MoneyGram, UniProject, European Auto Care, Entermedia, VM3, and Beer Garden.

The Coalition for Reproductive Health and Reproductive Health Rights celebrates the international day to end obstetric fistula

Prishtina, 23 May 2016-

The international day to end obstetric fistula, which is marked on May 23, is marked by the Coalition of Organizations for Reproductive Health and Reproductive Health Rights. Obstetric fistula is one of the most serious injuries from which approximately 2 million women suffer and 50,000 – 100,000 others are affected annually.

Obstetric fistula is a hole between the vagina and the bladder caused by prolonged labor which then causes urinary and bowel incontinence. This is a phenomenon particularly in developing countries and the fight against obstetric fistula is supported by UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund.

In an official statement today, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director of UNFPA, says that “ending fistula remains one of our highest priorities, and we will continue to accelerate efforts, both in our own work and within the United Nations system. The global Campaign to End Fistula, launched in 2003 by UNFPA and partners, has made significant progress towards eliminating fistula and supporting its survivors through prevention, treatment, social reintegration and advocacy.”

Obstetric fistula is developed mostly during birth delivery when baby’s head is turned towards the mother’s pelvic and cannot pass through because the woman’s pelvis is too narrow or the baby is too big. Other contributing factors include the mother’s young age of pregnancy, pelvic disproportion, cancer or radiation treatment for cancer, sexual violence, and some sexually transmitted diseases.

The most effective short-term strategies for preventing obstetric fistula will involve enhanced supervision during labor, improved access to emergency obstetric services, improved access to family planning services, increased education for girls and women, community economic development, and enhanced gender equity.

In Kosovo there are no data or findings about the condition, so the Coalition appeals to the appropriate authorities to build the mechanisms that record this condition in the official registers and improve services to prevent and treat obstetric fistula.

The initial meeting of the Coalition of Organizations on Reproductive Health and Reproductive Health Rights is held

Prishtina, 12 May 2016-

The first initial meeting of the Coalition of Organizations on Reproductive Health and Reproductive Health Rights in Prishtina was held yesterday. This Coalition is supported by the UNFPA office in Prishtina and coordinated by “Action for Mothers and Children.”

The initial participating organizations, also initial members of the Coalition, include: AHED, Artpolis, Health for All, Jeta/Vita, KOPF, Peer Educators Network (PEN), Kosovo Women’s Network, Patient Rights Association of Kosovo (PRAK), Kosovo Association for Promoting, Advancing and Protecting the Health of Teenagers, and Action for Mothers and Children (AMC).

This Coalition, although at its initial phases, aims to improve the policy, legal framework and awareness on reproductive health and reproductive health rights in Kosovo through regular evidence-based advocacy work of civil society organizations mobilized as a Coalition. The coalition will serve as an independent advocacy and monitoring body on policy and law implementation on reproductive health and reproductive health rights.

Reproductive health is defined as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being in all matters related to reproductive system. The rights of reproductive health, among others, include the right to decide if, when and how to reproduce, the right of access to information related to reproductive health, the right to counseling services, education, preventive/screening programs on reproductive health diseases, and others. Although Kosovo has a basic legal infrastructure on reproductive health, the Coalition believes there is a need for enforcing its implementation, monitoring and assessment as well as a need to promote the rights on reproductive health in Kosovo.

A New Women’s Health Resource Center opens up in Mitrovica

Prishtina, 27 April 2016-

In an official ceremony today, the doors of Women’s Health Resource Center in Mitrovica open up in the Main Family Medicine Center. The Center provides the much-needed counseling to women and their partners on antenatal and postnatal care. Participants are offered practical education and counseling on nutrition, pregnancy phases, preparing for labor, the delivery process, physical exercises, newborn care and breastfeeding for free.

In the ceremony today, the Minister of Health, Dr. Imet Rrahmani, officially opened the doors of the Center and emphasized the importance of health education. “Maternal and child health remains top priority in our strategic work at the Ministry and such health resource centers are essential for women’s education on pregnancy and newborn care” – adds Rrahmani. The Minister thanked Action for Mothers and Children for their work well done for the health sector in Kosovo.

“This Center today marks the 5^th location of Women’s Health Resrouce Center, a program initated by our foundation. Up to date, more than 2500 women have benefited from the services received at those Centers. Last month we opened the Center in Sterpce, a year ago we opened two in Prishtina and one in Ferizaj. Those Centers are run from nurses and midwifes of the host facilities,” – says Mrika Aliu, the Executive Director at Action for Mothers and Children.

The set up of the Center in Mitrovica and expansion of services of the Women’s Health Resource Center is made possible by the support from the Australian Embassy and the fundraising event “Let’s Dance for Mothers and Children.” The educational program of the Women’s Health Resource Center is supported by the World Health Organization-office in Prishtina, while the network of these centers is supported by Solidar Suisse Kosova.

Phototherapy Lamps arrive in the Neonatology Intensive Care Unit in Prishtina

Prishtina, 04 April 2016-

Today we solemnly delivered the phototherapy lamps in the Nenatology Intensive Care Unit at the Universtiy Clinical Center of Kosovo (UCCK). These lamps are essential in treating jaundice in children and today we delivered 5 phototherapy lamps.

Jaundice is a frequent problem in children which is caused due to an increased level of bilirubin in the blood. Approximately half of the infants born to term and 75% of premature babies manifest jaundice during the first days of their life. Phototherapy is a non-invasive way of treating jaundice which is realized through several phototherapy devices, the so called phototherapy lamps.

“The support we are receiving from Action for Mothers and Children through its many friends, partners and donors is enabling our effective work in the Clinic. Every day we face different challenges and we never give up in providing the best care for our infants,” – states Dr. Mynevere Hoxha, head of Neonatology Intensive Care Unit in UCCK.

Arta Hasanaj, from Action for Mothers and Children, declares that “we are committed in offering our support to help babies live and we focus on providing solutions to those problems that improve the effectivenes of care delivered for our babies and are prioritized by the Clinic. It is a real pleasure to deliver those phototerapy lamps today, made possible through our dedicated donors, and fulfil some of the needs of the Neonatal Clinic” – adds  Hasanaj.

The purchasing and delivery of phototherapy lamps today is made possible through support and donors of the 2015 fundraising events – “Cycle Kosovo for Children” and “Let’s Dance for Mothers and Children.”

The story about Saving the Tiniest Babies in Kosovo

Prishtina, April 1, 2016-
The story is published in AmeriCares’s website.

Sebahate was seven months along in her first pregnancy when dangerously high blood pressure led to an emergency C-section to save her unborn child.The baby girl she and her husband named Laura* weighed less than 2 pounds at birth and struggled to breathe, her tiny lungs not yet fully developed.

The preemie spent her first days of life in the neonatal intensive care unit at the University Clinical Center Kosovo’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, where she survived thanks to respiratory medication donated by AmeriCares and AbbVie, and the assistance of a continuous positive airway pressure machine. AmeriCares supports the NICU through a partnership with Action for Mothers and Children, a local NGO focused on improving the survival rates of mothers and babies in Kosovo, one of the poorest countries in Europe.

Laura is one of more than 1,000 premature low-weight babies to survive since 2006 when AmeriCares and Abbott began delivering surfactant therapy to prevent respiratory distress in pre-term infants. AbbVie spun off from Abbott in 2013 and has sponsored the program ever since.

Over the past 10 years, the program has supplied more than 2,100 vials of the surfactant replacement drug to Kosovo valued at more than $1.4 million. Dr. Mynevere Hoxha, director of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at UCCK, said the donations save the lives of approximately 200 infants every year.

“Surfactant prevents the air sacs in the lungs from collapsing when the baby exhales, giving our smallest and most fragile patients a fighting chance to survive,” said Dr. Hoxha. “Without AmeriCares and AbbVie, we would not have access to this life-saving medicine.”

The donations ensure tiny patients in need receive treatment at no cost. The drug is administered by neonatologists trained by the team from Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center through the Kosovo-Dartmouth Alliance for Healthy Mothers and Babies, and the NICU is equipped with the most advanced technologies.

The most recent donation is enough to provide the hospital with a year’s supply of surfactant, Dr. Hoxha said. The reliable donations are critical in a country where nearly 30 percent of the population lives in poverty and cannot afford treatment.

Still recovering from the 1999 war, many hospitals in Kosovo lack necessary supplies and equipment. At one time, preemies born to Kosovar mothers suffered the highest rate of infant mortality in Europe, neonatal intensive care units were nonexistent. Today, infant mortality rates in some weight profiles—including low-birth weight infants—have dropped by 50 percent.

“The health care system in Kosovo is getting stronger and AmeriCares is contributing to those improvements,” said AmeriCares Medical Officer Dr. Julie Varughese. “We are giving a new generation a pathway to health and opportunity.”