SNS and UNICEF promote the Kangaroo Mother Program in the Dominican Republic with a millionaire donation
The National Health Service (SNS) and UNICEF have consolidated a strategic alliance to strengthen the Kangaroo Mother Program throughout the Public Health Network. With an investment in medical equipment valued at more than RD$5.4 million, this initiative seeks to optimize specialized care for premature newborns and those with low birth weight.
The impact of this program has been remarkable in recent years. While in 2020 the network had only seven units, today 20 centers operate nationwide, with another three about to be integrated, reaffirming the State’s commitment to neonatal health.
Cutting-edge technology for neonatal care
The delivery of the equipment took place at the Dra. Evangelina Rodríguez Maternal Hospital, where the strengthening of care in public maternity wards was made official. Among the donated devices are neonatal beds and care tables, infantometers, indirect ophthalmoscopes, otoscopes, and wall-mounted diagnostic sets, which are essential elements to ensure precise and timely care.
The Kangaroo Mother Care method is not just a highly effective clinical strategy; it is also a profound act of humanity that places the family at the heart of care and health attention.
Yakaira García Peralta, Director of the Dra. Evangelina Rodríguez Maternal Hospital
Regional expansion and recognition
Farah Segura, UNICEF Health and Nutrition officer, highlighted the evolution of the Dominican program, noting that the country has developed its own capabilities that currently serve as a reference model throughout the region. For his part, the executive director of the SNS, Julio Landrón, emphasized that the provision of these tools will allow medical personnel to offer a higher quality service with national reach.
Next steps in the Public Network
The expansion plan does not stop. As reported by Freddy Novas, director of Maternal and Child Health at the SNS, the equipment will be strategically distributed in centers such as the Dr. Antonio Musa Hospital and the Dr. Luis Eduardo Aybar Hospital. In addition, work is underway to open new units in key points of the country:
- Colón Municipal Hospital, Bonao.
- Matías Ramón Mella Hospital, Dajabón.
- San Antonio Hospital, Cotuí.
This collaboration between the SNS and UNICEF marks a milestone in primary care, prioritizing the well-being of newborns and strengthening the family bond during the hospital recovery process.
