First Lady Gabriela de Bukele, together with Italian Ambassador Paolo Rozo, has unveiled a new international cooperation initiative aimed at reducing maternal and infant mortality in El Salvador. This project, developed in partnership with the Government of Italy, supports the implementation of the "Born with Care" (Nacer con Cariño) law. It focuses on enhancing fetal medicine, improving prenatal diagnostics, and advancing neonatal care throughout the country.
The initiative will be carried out over three years and includes the modernization of maternity and neonatal care units in six public hospitals. Additionally, it will provide training for Salvadoran medical professionals through both short- and long-term internships in Italy.
"With the support of allies like the Italian government, we are bridging gaps and turning challenges into opportunities," said First Lady Gabriela de Bukele. "I extend my gratitude to the professionals who answered the call and reaffirm their dedication to their vocation every day."
The initiative also seeks to enhance the early detection of congenital anomalies, improve care for premature infants, and foster a more compassionate, human-centered approach to maternal and newborn health.
Ambassador Rozo highlighted the First Lady’s leadership in establishing this alliance, which began when she was invited to present El Salvador’s maternal health reforms at the San Matteo Polyclinic in Pavia, Italy.
“We envision this project as more than a mere technical solution,” stated Ambassador Rozo. “Our goal is for it to serve as a catalyst for transformation, creating a more humane and equitable healthcare system that prioritizes both quality of care and respect for dignity.”
The collaboration commenced last year with training initiatives in morphological ultrasound, cytogenetics, and critical care nursing for newborns, reinforcing the long-term objective of enhancing professional skills and improving healthcare outcomes across the country.
