Bulgarian Health Minister seeks UNICEF support for National Children's Hospital

Bulgarian Health Minister Katya Ivkova has requested technical expertise and international support from UNICEF to assist with the construction and development of the National Children's Hospital. During a meeting with UNICEF's new representative in Bulgaria, Mio Nemoto, Ivkova emphasized that the project is intended to be more than just an infrastructure development; it aims to establish a new model of pediatric healthcare centered on the needs of children and their families.

The discussions also covered expanding cooperation in child mental health and community nursing care. Ivkova proposed creating a center of excellence in child psychiatry and highlighted the importance of properly valuing home visits to ensure sustainable funding for these services. Other topics addressed included child violence prevention, digital safety, and initiatives under the Bulgarian-Swiss cooperation strategy. The Minister reaffirmed her goal to complete both the hospital building and its necessary supporting infrastructure and staffing before the end of the current government's mandate.