Zhytomyr region is one of the first in Ukraine to pilot the joint program of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) called “Care from Birth at Home.” This program aims to strengthen the provision of primary health care to families with children from birth to three years old.
Regional Workshop Discusses Program Implementation
The implementation of this home visiting program in communities and the integration of early childhood development services into the primary health care level was the focus of a regional workshop held in Zhytomyr on April 29. The event brought together healthcare facility managers, community heads, representatives of UNICEF in Ukraine, and the NGO “In Touch Ukraine Foundation.” The First Deputy Head of the Zhytomyr Regional Military Administration, Nataliia Ostapchenko, also joined the discussion.
The Program Has Already Reached 15 Regions
“The ‘Care from Birth at Home’ program is a joint initiative by UNICEF and the Ministry of Health of Ukraine. It was launched in 2021 in Donetsk region, and Zhytomyr region was among the first to start implementing it afterward. As of 2024, the program has already been introduced in 15 regions,” said Ihor Katsitadze, Health Specialist at UNICEF Ukraine.
A Universal Progressive Model for Family Support
The universal progressive home visiting model focuses on caring for the entire family. It involves identifying social, domestic, and psychological risks, timely referrals, and appropriate support for parents. Topics include breastfeeding, vaccination, monitoring child development, and psychological support.
Community Cooperation Is Key
“We aim to establish effective cooperation with local governments and primary health care centers to integrate the home visiting system. Together, we will develop ways to support families with children,” emphasized Margarita Siranchuk, Program and Project Manager at the “In Touch Ukraine Foundation.”
Over 6,000 Families Already Receiving Services in Zhytomyr Region
In Zhytomyr region, 23 healthcare institutions have already completed training on home visits, with 16 of them actively implementing the program. As a result, more than 6,000 families with young children are already receiving services under the “Care from Birth at Home” program.
Training and Resource Center: A Hub for Learning and Support
The discussion on supporting families with children took place at the Training and Resource Center (TRC) established by the “In Touch Ukraine Foundation” with support from UNICEF at the Zhytomyr Medical Institute. The center regularly hosts sessions for medical workers on implementing the universal progressive model. It also became the first in a network of such TRCs across seven other Ukrainian regions.
Community Experience: The Case of Ovruch Primary Healthcare Center
During the regional workshop, Oleksandr Shevchuk, Director of the Ovruch Primary Healthcare Center, shared his experience with the program:
“In the first month, nurses conducted 40 visits and enrolled 40 children. Within six months, they reached 148 children with 516 home visits.”
More Than Just Medical Check-Ups
Home visits go beyond standard medical check-ups. Families receive comprehensive guidance on child health and well-being, including immunization, breastfeeding, nutrition, positive parenting, and early detection of developmental or mental health risks for caregivers.
A Project That Transforms the Approach to Childcare
The regional workshop was held within the framework of the project “Implementation of a Universal Progressive Home Visiting Model and Integrated Child-Centered Medical Services at the Local Level in Selected Regions of Ukraine,” implemented by the “In Touch Ukraine Foundation” with the support of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF Ukraine).
