Every second counts when a baby is born into this world, as Dr. Liliana Pârlea, Head of Neonatology at the Slobozia County Hospital, explains:

“One of the first things you learn as a neonatologist is what to do when a newborn’s first cry, or first breath are delayed. Birth asphyxia is one of our biggest fears. Within a single minute—the ‘golden minute’—a team of five people must perform a precise neonatal resuscitation to bring oxygen into a tiny body that needs to be brought back to life.”

Modern Equipment, Faster Response, More Lives Saved

Just days after the Life for Newborns Fund endowment project was completed, the medical team from Slobozia faced an emergency case. This is a story with a happy ending.

”A baby boy was born asphyxiated. Within two minutes, he was suctioned, warmed, monitored, and stabilized—thanks to a fully equipped Dräger radiant warmer. No extra cables. No overcrowded equipment. Just fast, coordinated action and an excellent mental shape for the medical team.

The equipment in ICUs is expensive, but it is the prerequisite to save lives. The "golden minute" in a newborn’s life slides away and cannot be brought back. It is up to us, and our medical devices, to ensure that this minute is used to its full potential. After 11 days in the hospital, our baby boy went home. Despite a tough start, things turned for the better with the help of modern equipment.”

Unfortunately, not all babies in Romania are born in hospitals equipped with performant medical facilities. Despite the progress made over the past decade, Romania still has the highest infant mortality rate in the EU, largely caused by lack or insufficient medical equipment in many hospitals across the country.

Our Impact So Far

Through the Life for Newborns Fund, we have:

• Invested over 8 million lei in equipment for 19 neonatal departments, serving 20,000+ babies annually
• Supported 30 neonatal intensive care units with integrated telemedicine solutions
• Committed to endow at least five more neonatology departments for this year call for proposal.

These investments are vital for diagnosis, stabilization, and safe transfer of newborns who require complex care. More details are available here.

How Can You Help?

Individuals (employees in 2025)

Redirecting 3.5% of your income tax can change a newborn’s life.

For example:

• Contributions from just 15 people can fund a non‑invasive bilirubinometer, allowing painless screening for jaundice — no needles required.

Completing the form takes three minutes and offers a big help to departments that save dozens or even hundreds of babies each year.

Complete the form here: Redirect 3.5%

Company Administrators

• If you own or manage a company, you also have fiscal tools to support lifesaving neonatal care:

1. Declaration 177

Ask ANAF to redirect any unallocated 2025 sponsorship funds to the Fundația Vodafone.

2. Sponsorship Contract

Direct up to 20% of your company’s 2026 corporate tax to initiatives supporting newborns’ care.

All details and forms are available here: Involve your company

Together, We Can Keep Romania Alive!

Thank you for helping us protect the lives of newborns!

The Vodafone Romania Foundation Team

For questions, please contact:

• angela.galeta@vodafone.com
• teodora.pistol@vodafone.com