State-of-the-art equipment provided by VivaCell-MTS and BirthLink, is
delivered, assembled and immediately put into use in the Institute of
Perinatology, Obstetrics and Gynecology

2009-09-18 16:14:00

ArmInfo. VivaCell-MTS, a subsidiary of Mobile TeleSystems OJSC (NYSE:
MBT), announces the launch of neonatal care project in neonatal
department at the Republican Hospital (The Institute for Perinatology,
Obstetrics and Gynecology), VivaCell-MTS press-release says.

The Republican Hospital receives a large number of women with high risk
pregnancies from Yerevan and the region. As a result it sees a high
number of babies requiring neonatal intensive care. This necessarily
means that this unit has a constant need for a high quantity and
quality of equipment for the number of babies in their care.

Two days ago the medical community of Armenia was introduced to a new
large-scale neonatal care project in the country implemented by
VivaCell-MTS and BirthLink NGO. "It is distressing that such huge
number of children die every year in our country. Through this
dedicated corporate responsibility effort by VivaCell-MTS it will be
possible to improve and bring the infrastructure and standards of
neonatal care in Armenia to the high levels," said VivaCell-MTS General
Manager Ralph Yirikian.

"As part of the continuing implementation of the Neonatal Care Project
in Armenia, the state-of-the-art equipment package designed for the
neonatal units in Yerevan was delivered, assembled and immediately put
into use after training for the staff in the Institute of Perinatology,
Obstetrics and Gynecology. A very important part of the Armenian
neonatal project is that all the neonatal units will be able to work
together, sharing experience and practice using the same equipment,
protocols and training, establishing a standard for care and facilities
across Armenia," Kathy Mellor, BirthLink’s Director and founder stated.

More than 4 million babies in the world die annually in their first
year of life. Not only do a staggering 98% of these deaths occur in
developing countries, but 65% of these deaths occur in the first month
of life, with more than two-thirds happening in the first week, and of
these babies, more than 50% die in the first 24 hours.

Based on WHO statistics, Armenia’s infant mortality rate is more than
four times higher than in countries like the US and UK.

With more than 40% of births in Armenia taking place in Yerevan, this
project is supporting ten maternity departments in the city, as well as
one Children’s hospital, which receive sick newborns. A total of 101
pieces of essential equipment that can support vulnerable newborn
babies were distributed to hospitals including incubators, respiratory
support, monitors and other essential supplies for delivering safe and
appropriate care.