The "Cradles of Hope" is a program of the Victor Pinchuk Foundation within the domain of healthcare. The program's aim is to reduce the level of infant mortality in Ukraine. The global and serious nature of the issue clearly demands that a solution is sought not by the state authorities solely but through a close participation of non-governmental and charitable organizations. The state of medical equipment, the conditions of facilities and the qualifications of staff often does not allow for the provision of high quality aid to new born babies.

With the support of the Foundation, Cradles of Hope has begun developing a network of state-of-the-art newborn care centres throughout Ukraine. We believe that the ready availability of equipment and skilled personnel will help reduce infant mortality and, thereby, promote the improvement of the demographic situation in Ukraine.In order to attain these objectives, the Programme provides for the following.

• timed and quality diagnosis of the problem cases
• transportation
• emergency aid during the assisted delivery
• resuscitation
• subsequent rehabilitation

Equipment bought to that end is the most up-to-date and the best can buy.

Conducting training sessions and seminars to train the personnel in new nursing technologies.

Supply of computer work-stations to enable communication between Centres as well as fast access to the Internet and innovations in the theory and practice of the neonatalogy.

Further monitoring of the Centres' work to evaluate their efficiency.

"Cradles of hope" program was launched June 1 2006 in Chernigiv. In 2006 eight hospitals in over the country were supplied with a modern equipment, in six hospitals "Cradles of hope" centres were opened. In 2007 Centres in Chernivtsi, Izmail, Bakhchisarai, Odessa, Symferopil', Donetsk were opened. Cooperation with existing Centers is to last.