Lithuania and Switzerland continue their close cooperation in implementing the 2024–2029 Programme “Maternal and Child Health and Wellbeing,” valued at €36.18 million, including Lithuania’s contribution, which is one of the most significant investments in the early intervention system in Lithuania in recent years. The initiative ensures that every family, regardless of place of residence or social circumstances, can receive high-quality and professional services.
Under this Programme, one project (more: here) is being implemented in Lithuania – “Improvement of Obstetrics and Children Health Care Services and Implementation of Holistic Child Development Services” – implemented by Hospital of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kaunas Clinics, while the Central Project Management Agency (CPMA) ensures that the planned activities are carried out smoothly and effectively. The project actively fosters cooperation with Swiss institutions in the field of healthcare, and its success is evidenced by the ongoing collaboration and exchange of expertise between Lithuanian and Swiss specialists, including study visits and joint training initiatives.
So far, close partnerships have been established with the University Children Hospital Zurich (Universitäts-Kinderspital Zürich, KISPI), the University Hospital of Lausanne (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, CHUV), and the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) Institute of Midwifery Sciences and Reproductive Health.
In February of this year, a team of Lithuanian specialists from Kaunas, Vilnius, Klaipėda, Panevėžys, and Šiauliai participated in a professional cooperation visit-conference in Switzerland, where they exchanged experiences with colleagues from various countries.
During the visit, specialists explored key topics in early intervention. Discussions focused on early relationships and brain development, emotional regulation, and learning abilities, as well as the intergenerational transmission of trauma. The impact of screen time on children was analysed, emphasising that context and adult engagement matter more than the amount of screen exposure. Different education system models and their effects on children’s self-regulation and long-term achievements were also examined. Social responsibility was highlighted, emphasising that children’s living conditions should not limit their opportunities, underlining the importance of a systemic approach and accessibility of early interventions.
Continuing cooperation with Swiss institutions, on March 5-6, doctors from Hospital of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kaunas Clinics and Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Clinics attended a two-day training course, “Neonatal Cranial Ultrasound – The Basics and Advanced,” at the University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Switzerland. The training focused on improving neonatal cranial ultrasound skills.
During the theoretical component of the training, key neonatal cranial ultrasound scanning segments and the brain structures visible in each segment were examined together with Swiss partners. Participants reviewed the most common neonatal brain pathologies and learned about applying Doppler measurements in clinical practice.
Practical sessions took place at the Neonatology Clinic of the University Children’s Hospital Zurich, where participants performed neonatal cranial ultrasounds, analysed the images, and learned new ultrasound techniques to more precisely assess specific areas of the neonatal brain.
The knowledge and experience gained from these visits and specialised trainings, together with ongoing collaboration with Swiss partners, will enable Lithuanian specialists to provide even higher-quality services to mothers and children. This joint project strengthens institutional partnerships and demonstrates that Lithuanian-Swiss cooperation in the health sector is continuous, successful, and directly improves neonatal diagnostics and the quality of early intervention services nationwide.
Information provided by CPMA and Hospital of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Hospital Kaunas Clinics
