Rio hospitals celebrate newborns with World Cup-themed gifts and activities

During the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the Rio de Janeiro state health secretariat equipped two public hospitals with special memorabilia for babies born in their maternity wards. At Hospital Estadual da Mãe in Mesquita, newborns received a “Minha Primeira Copa” certificate, caps bearing the Brazilian flag and a placenta‑printed “Árvore da Vida” showing birth details in the national colours. Mother Thayane Galdino said, “It was an incredible experience to have my daughter born during the festive period.”

At Hospital Estadual Ricardo Cruz in Nova Iguaçu, a puppet‑theatre project called “Plantão da Alegria, arte todo dia” performed for young patients, dressing the puppets in Brazil’s jerseys and quizzing them on the tournament. Gleice Melo Moura of the secretariat explained, “These activities have an important role in the recovery process, reducing stress and strengthening bonds between patients, families and staff.” The initiatives aim to provide therapeutic distraction and emotional comfort while celebrating the national football event.