Launched through the EU’s Horizon 2020 program, Group Care in the First 1,000 Days introduced an innovative model of antenatal care to seven countries—including Kosovo. At the Main Family Medicine Centres in Prishtina, Vushtrri, Lipjan, and Prizren, pregnant women gathered in small groups in which routine check-ups were combined with interactive lessons and peer support. Participants saw fewer pre-term births, improved mental health, and higher immediate breastfeeding rates.
Kosovo’s initial rollout focused only on pregnancy. With fresh backing from UNICEF, the model has expanded, providing care from conception to a child’s second birthday, and is known locally as Group Care for Parenting. What started as an EU project now continues with UNICEF Kosovo’s support.
Find detailed Antenatal Group Care results in our Publications section, and learn more about Group Care for Parenting under Ongoing Programs.