Slovak Minister of Health Kamil Šaško visited Huncovce to see first-hand the work of the Mission 1000 programme’s babice. During his visit, he explored ways to strengthen support for the health of mothers and young children in marginalised communities and improve families’ access to healthcare services. He also recognised the importance of community-based outreach work and the programme’s cooperation with hospitals.
The Minister observed how babice work with children and support mothers during pregnancy and after childbirth. He particularly appreciated that their work extends beyond communities and settlements into hospitals, where they assist mothers and expectant mothers, provide interpretation when needed, and help facilitate communication with healthcare professionals.
“A strong healthcare system begins with people, and the babice fulfil their mission to the letter,” said Minister Kamil Šaško.
The Minister also noted that the work of the babice is valued not only by families in the communities, but also by doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals at the Penta Hospitals Spišská Nová Ves Hospital, who work with them on a daily basis.
During the visit, the Minister was accompanied by Magdaléna Rothová, Director of ACEC and Professional Lead of the Mission 1000 programme, together with Dr Renáta Šuláková, paediatrician and long-serving Director of Penta Hospitals Spišská Nová Ves Hospital.
“The babice help build bridges between healthcare professionals and residents of marginalised communities. Their presence both in hospitals and in the field contributes significantly to better cooperation and greater trust. I am convinced that this model could be successfully applied in other regions of Slovakia as well,” said Dr Renáta Šuláková.
Magdaléna Rothová believes that the Minister’s visit will contribute to a better understanding of the importance of Mission 1000 and community-based family support.
“We greatly appreciate that the Minister took the time to visit us in person and see the work of the babice directly in the community. We believe that meetings like this help people better understand the challenges families face,” said Magdaléna Rothová. “Our ambition is for every child to have access to the conditions necessary for healthy development, regardless of where they are born,” she added.
The Minister’s visit sends an important signal that the health of mothers and young children living in disadvantaged environments is a matter of public concern. Mission 1000 has long highlighted that a healthy start in life depends not only on healthcare services, but also on living conditions, access to information, hygiene, clean drinking water and other essential services.
Mission 1000 is built on the work of trained babice who come directly from the communities in which they work. This enables them to bridge the gap between families and institutions, build trust and help remove barriers to healthcare access. They accompany women throughout pregnancy, support them in navigating the healthcare system and continue working with families after they return home. They assist with childcare, healthy habits and early childhood development.
Their long-term and systematic work brings tangible improvements to the lives of families and demonstrates that investment in early support is one of the most effective ways to improve children’s health, strengthen parenting capacities and create better opportunities for entire communities
