Born in the sixth month of pregnancy, in a region where access to neonatal care is limited, and weighing just 900 grams, Lena’s* survival was far from certain.  But thanks to the medical and home care guidance provided by volunteers trained through a programme supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Syrian Ministry of Health – and the tireless commitment of her parents – Lena began to thrive.

That Lena is now a healthy 2-year-old testifies to the strength of her family and the lifesaving impact of home-based care. Supported by volunteer community health workers, who provided advice and close follow-up, her parents followed best practices: frequent breastfeeding, skin-to-skin warming, and avoiding supplements and formula. It was a collective effort, rooted in community-based care.

Lena’s family is one of many that have benefitted from the caring for newborns and mothers at home programme. Linked to the healthy village programme, the initiative involves volunteer health workers providing essential care to pregnant women and newborns.

As part of the programme, community health workers conduct home visits during the antenatal period and the first weeks after birth. They support families in adopting best practices for maternal and newborn care at home, while encouraging care seeking from specialist health professionals when needed.