By Anna Demchenko | Grants writer
During the reporting period, the implementation of the project “Wheels of Life” focused primarily on strengthening public awareness and mobilizing support for the fundraising campaign aimed at purchasing a specialized neonatal resuscitation ambulance for the Kharkiv Regional Perinatal Center.
Although no major procurement or technical implementation activities took place during this period, an important charity fundraising event was successfully organized. The event played a key role in raising awareness about the urgent need for neonatal emergency transport and in expanding the network of partners and supporters engaged in the initiative.
The project continues to address a critical gap in neonatal emergency care in Ukraine, particularly in regions heavily affected by the ongoing war.
Key Activities During the Reporting Period
Charity Fundraising Initiative in Partnership with the HR Brand Award Ukraine
A significant milestone of this reporting period was the launch of a collaborative fundraising initiative between the Blagomay Charity Fund and the HR Brand Award Ukraine, a prestigious national recognition of the most responsible and innovative employers.
Historically, the HR Brand Award has highlighted best practices in corporate culture and human-centered business management. In 2025, the initiative expanded its mission by integrating a strong social responsibility component, partnering with civil society to address urgent humanitarian needs.
Together, we launched the campaign “Wheels of Life”, aimed at raising funds for a neonatal resuscitation ambulance for the Kharkiv Regional Perinatal Center.
The charity event brought together representatives from the private sector, civil society organizations, and philanthropic partners. It served as a platform to present the project's goals, highlight the urgent needs of neonatal healthcare in Ukraine, and encourage corporate and individual contributions.
Through this initiative, the campaign gained additional visibility and helped strengthen the culture of corporate philanthropy in Ukraine during a time of national crisis.
Fundraising Progress
As of the end of the reporting period, the project has raised:
322,109 UAH out of the required 5,850,000 UAH needed to purchase the neonatal ambulance.
While the current amount represents only the initial stage of the campaign, it demonstrates strong public support and serves as an important foundation for further fundraising efforts. The campaign continues to seek additional partners and donors to reach the overall funding goal.
Problem Statement and Context
Ukraine is currently facing a severe demographic crisis, which has been significantly aggravated by the ongoing full-scale war.
In 2024, the country recorded 495,090 deaths compared to only 176,679 registered births, meaning that the mortality rate exceeded the birth rate by nearly three times. This demographic imbalance presents a serious long-term challenge for the country’s recovery and future development.
Each year in Ukraine approximately 20,000–22,000 babies are born prematurely, representing nearly 10% of all births. Premature infants require specialized medical care, including neonatal incubators, intensive monitoring, and rapid transport to advanced medical facilities.
The number of premature births has increased due to several war-related factors:
For newborns with complications, time is a critical factor. Access to a properly equipped neonatal ambulance can mean the difference between life and death.
A neonatal resuscitation ambulance is not simply a regular emergency vehicle. It functions as a mobile intensive care unit, equipped with:
Such vehicles enable safe transportation of newborns from maternity hospitals to specialized perinatal centers where advanced care is available.
Alignment with National and International Priorities
The project directly supports Ukraine’s national healthcare priorities and aligns with several strategic frameworks.
The Government of Ukraine has identified neonatal care as a priority within the national Medical Guarantee Program. In 2024, the reimbursement tariff for treating extremely premature infants (birth weight under 750 grams) increased to more than 550,000 UAH, and up to 715,000 UAH in specialized hospitals.
However, these public funds cover treatment costs only and do not include the purchase of expensive medical equipment or specialized transport. Projects like “Wheels of Life” therefore fill a critical financing gap.
Additionally, the initiative contributes to the implementation of:
Consultations and Needs Assessment
Consultations conducted with perinatal center directors, neonatal intensive care specialists, and representatives of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine confirmed the urgent need for improved neonatal transport systems.
According to international statistics, the infant mortality rate in Ukraine in 2025 is estimated at 5.62 deaths per 1,000 live births. In many cases, survival depends on the availability of modern neonatal technology and the ability to quickly transport newborns to specialized medical facilities.
Investments in neonatal care not only save lives but also strengthen the overall resilience of the healthcare system. At a time when national resources are heavily focused on treating war injuries, charitable initiatives play a crucial role in supporting maternal and child healthcare.
Looking Ahead
In the next reporting period, the Blagomay Charity Fund plans to:
The long-term goal remains clear: to ensure that every newborn in critical condition has a chance to receive timely and life-saving medical care.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the GlobalGiving community, our partners, and all donors who have already supported this life-saving initiative. Every contribution brings us closer to providing a neonatal ambulance that will save the lives of the most vulnerable patients — newborn babies.
Together, we are helping to ensure that even in the most difficult times, every child has a chance to live
By Lina Popova | Project Leader
By Lina Popova | Head of Medical and Humanitarian Projects
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