Ana Ivanovic and UNICEF in joint efforts to reduce the mortality of premature babies

Belgrade, 26 July 2018 –  Our celebrated tennis player and UNICEF national ambassador Ana Ivanovic has launched a humanitarian campaign to help premature babies and their families, which would result in a reduction of children mortality in the first month of their lives.

Through the website of UNICEF Serbia, all interested people can donate funds, while the participant with the biggest donation will receive Ana’s favorite purple dress, during the days of celebration of the 10th anniversary of her most significant success - winning Roland Garros.

"Every day in Serbia seven babies, for who is necessary to stay in units of neonatology intensive care, are born. Besides medical treatment, the presence, embrace of parents and breastfeeding have a decisive influence on the progress of these children. I was very happy when I found out how much UNICEF's support to the neonatology unit in Kragujevac was significant for the survival and progress of children.

As UNICEF ambassador, and as a mother, I know how important physical contact with parents is for each child. That's why I invited my fans to join this UNICEF's activity, because only with joint forces we can make a change", said Ana Ivanovic.

"As UNICEF ambassador, and as a mother, I know how important physical contact with parents is for each child."

"Ana is dedicated to the children from Serbia for more than ten years, and she is a valuable support to the work of UNICEF. We are grateful to her for inviting her followers to donate to UNICEF and ensure better conditions for the treatment of premature babies in neonatal centers in Serbia. In our country, a steady progress has been made in reducing neonatal, infant and under-five mortality rates in Serbia.

However, mortality rates remain relatively high, particularly compared with EU countries in the region. Within the collaboration of UNICEF and the Ministry of Health, we are working to strengthen capacities of maternity wards and neonatal intensive care facilities to ensure the best possible support and protection for babies and their parents", said Vesna Savic Djukic from UNICEF.

Within the program which UNICEF conducts in Serbia, support for maternity wards and neonatal intensive care units in Niš, Kragujevac, Belgrade and Novi Sad is planned.

Each donation to UNICEF is another step towards a better, healthier and secure future for every child in Serbia.

Find more information on:  TAKE ACTION and save lives of prematurely born babies in Serbia