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Solidarity of Private Sector in Serbia in Difficult Times
2020
EQUIPMENT PROVIDED BY UNICEF SERBIA FROM DONATIONS:
50 61
Dreager Ventilators
Oxygen metres and pulse oximeter for the most vulnerable patients
71,900 5,200 25,116 99,950 1,549 5,376 9,000
Pairs of surgical gloves
Protective aprons
Protective coats
Surgical masks
Hazmat suits
Visors
N95 masks for health workers who are on the first line of defense against disease Hygiene kits were procured for
4,400
foster families Nearly
12,000
people living in Roma settlements reached with critical hygiene items TOTAL VALUE:
$ 1,103,469 38
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Solidarity in Difficult Times is Crucial The number of companies that responded to UNICEF’s call indicates that there is a strong awareness in the business community that being together is a force that can help us
e very much appreciate the private sector’s response to UNICEF’s call to combat COVID-19 and their contribution to the procurement of medical equipment necessary during the COVID-19 pandemic. Such mobilization of funds for UNICEF is crucial both for the regular programmes for children and in emergencies,” Regina De Dominicis, UNICEF Representative in Serbia, pointed out in March this year when all this has started. UNICEF has mobilized all available resources to immediately support the Government of the Republic of Serbia’s effort on combating the coronavirus epidemic. Many other companies and individuals have responded to UNICEF’s call for donations to procure essential medical and protective equipment: Nordeus, Raiffeisen Bank, I&F McCann Group, Vojvodjanska Banka, Phi Academy, Petite Geneve Petrović Serbia, Mol Serbia, Continental automotive Serbia, Serbian Recycler Associations, EXLRT, Execom, Kalemegdan Development, Prozone, Eco Hellenic, Telegroup, Orion Telecom, and UNICEF National Ambassador Ana Ivanović. The number of companies that responded to the UNICEF call indicates that there is a
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strong awareness in the business community that being together is a force that can help us. One of the key elements of UNICEF’s global mandate is to respond to emergencies using its expertise and operational experience. In this way, and thanks to its rapid reaction, UNICEF Serbia contributes to mitigating the effects of the coronavirus on the normal functioning of the lives of children, young people and their families. Solidarity in difficult times is crucial to tackle the challenges we face together. UNICEF is supportive of national efforts to protect the population through the procurement of critically needed equipment for the health care system, as well as providing hygiene products for the most vulnerable families and children. “We greatly appreciate the contribution of the private sector to our work – both for regular programs for children and emergencies like the one, we are all now facing. The business community has shown true solidarity, and in a time of economic uncertainty, has committed part of its revenues to helping society. I thank all the companies that donated to UNICEF to help us get rid of the coronavirus and save lives in Serbia” said Regina De Dominicis, UNICEF Representative in Serbia.
There is a strong awareness in the business community that being together is a force that can help us
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The Crisis Caused by the COVID-19 is a Crisis of Children's Rights We know that children are less likely to get the virus, but now we must act so that they do not become hidden victims. The most vulnerable children - such as those affected by poverty, exclusion or domestic violence - are at even greater risk, cut off from existing support REGINA DE DOMINICIS
UNICEF Representative in Serbia
t is clear that we need to react immediately in order to ensure that the consequences of this crisis are remedied as soon as possible. If we work together, we can ensure that COVID-19 does not jeopardize social and economic development in the long run and help families and communities to be more resilient. Investing in our common future must be a priority. We need to take this opportunity to build a better and greener future. By investing in education, child protection, health and nutrition, water and sanitation, we will reduce the damage caused by this pandemic, but it is also a way to avoid a future crisis. This global health, economic and social crisis requires global solidarity,” says Regina De Dominicis, UNICEF Representative in Serbia.
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What was the size and scope of your assistance to the health care system during the COVID-19 pandemic? — UNICEF operates in more than 190 countries and territories and annually helps to overcome about 300 crises in the world. Our mandate combines the establishment of standards, development and action in crisis situations, which allows us to respond quickly to crises, as well as to work strategically to boost the system's resilience. As part of the overall UN response to the COVID-19 contagion, UNICEF
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has played a leading role in informing about the risks and reaching to the most vulnerable groups in many countries, including Serbia. Our response in support of the health system included the delivery of the most necessary equipment and the bolstering primary health care services. We have the largest humanitarian warehouse located in Copenhagen, with a network of more than 1,000 medical suppliers, long-term partnerships and a large number of people who support us. We have strategic contracts with various manufacturers thanks to whom we were able to supply 50 Draeger ventilators, which are compatible with our health system and can be used invasively and non-invasively, 61 oxygen flowmeters and pulse oximeters for the most vulnerable patients, 71,900 pairs of surgical gloves, 5,200 protective aprons. 25,116 protective gowns, 99,950 surgical masks, 1,549 hazmat suits, 5,376 visors, and 9,000 N95 masks for health workers who were on the first line of defense against the disease. In addition to the procurement of medical equipment, UNICEF supports the health system to secure that maternal and child health services ensure continuity of care for families and children, especially the most vulnerable ones. This includes unhindered access to obstetric, neonatal, and preventive pediatric health care, immuniza-
tion, community nursing services, and early intervention.
This global health, economic and social crisis requires global solidarity
In what areas of your expertise were you the most active in supporting children during Covid19? — At the very beginning of the crisis, UNICEF in Serbia redefined the priorities of its resources to respond to the urgent needs of children and families. Through providing public information on preventive measures related to COVID-19, we have helped to slow down the virus contagion, especially in the most vulnerable communities. In line with the needs of the Serbian government, we have supported the health, education and social protection systems to ensure the continuity of services for children and their families. We also provided almost 12,000 hygiene packages for families in Roma settlements and almost 4,400 packages for foster families. Hygiene packages were also distributed in 19 residential institutions and 4 asylum / reception centres for refugees and migrants, and we covered almost 2,300 people. We also procured 3,200 family learning and play packages for vulnerable families. To ensure continuity of education, UNICEF supported the Ministry of Education in developing a national response plan for the preschool education system to combat the COVID-19 epidemic through targeted work with
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preschoolers and their families (inter alia through access to relevant play materials on social media, having distance learning platforms on TV, and through weekly messages and advice to parents regarding their activities with children). When the functioning of communities is disrupted, children, who are already at risk of violence, exploitation and abuse, become even more vulnerable. That is why, in partnership with the Faculty of Political Sciences, we have established an online platform for the exchange of information, knowledge and good practices in order to empower employees in social services to provide continuous and quality child protection services. Also, to ensure that children affected by the coronavirus virus have access to adequate conditions for alternative care, we have prepared guidelines for preventing unnecessary separation of children from families in the context of COVID-19. We moved young people to get involved in volunteering on the Internet by establishing an online platform for peer volunteering, which allowed them to be active in 4 areas: participation in communication about the risk of COVID-19 on the Internet, translation of educational materials to reduce language barriers in education, providing peer support online and promoting the U-Report.
Given that quarantine time was perceived as a time of increased risk of violence against women and children, how did you respond to that potential risk? — In coordination with other UN agencies, we have been carrying out activities related to supporting reporting about high-stress home environments that may increase the likelihood of domestic violence and abuse, causing additional psycho-social difficulties for children and which also may lead to an increase in online. We supported coordination, dissemination of information and practical advice to on-call telephone SOS centers in terms of timely provision
of telephone and online psychosocial support and emergency counseling for children and their families. We promoted positive parenting and advised parents on how to organize time with their children. In partnership with Radio and Television of Serbnia (RTS), we launched a daily professional advice service for parents, namely, how to deal with the crisis, how to help their children overcome the crisis unharmed, how to deal with their fears, how to structure a day during quarantine, etc. RTS and UNICEF for Parents was a segment in the RTS Morning Program in which experts advised parents every day for over 60 days, i.e. from the very beginning of the crisis. Through working with adolescents and young people, we have provided peer support and information sharing among young people to support their mental health. In late May, despite the crisis, the Government of Serbia adopted the Strategy and Action Plan for the Prevention and Protection of Children from Violence 2020-2023. UNICEF gave its support to the Plan and we hope that activities in this segment will be significantly expedited, as there is evidence that violence in its various forms and environments has been increasing. What is your assessment of the longterm socio-economic impact of the pandemic and the resources needed for recovery in the long run? — The COVID-19 epidemic has further increased the vulnerability of people living in precarious circumstances. The socio-economic impact of the crisis will be felt most by those most at risk. Many people are already living in poverty, and the consequences of response measures to COVID-19 lead to the risk, associated with their situation, deteriorating further. Hence, UNICEF is helping the government expand social protection measures - programmes and policies - that connect families with life-saving services. As a priority, we have identified families that need help the most 500 single-parent families and families with a large number of children who did not meet the criteria for receiving
financial social assistance in the previous 3 months. We strive to provide them financial support, including via direct money transfers. UNICEF has also prepared guidelines for employers on how they can support working parents and create innovative solutions that meet the needs of society, while, at the same time, being profitable for companies.
We promoted positive parenting and advised parents on how to organize time with their children
To what extent have Serbian companies supported UNICEF in the fight against this crisis that has befallen us all? — The business community in Serbia has demonstrated strong sense of responsibility. Thanks to the support of the private sector, we were able to raise $ 1,103,469 in aid. The IT industry inspired other industries and companies and reacted as early as the first weekend of the crisis. Employees at Nordeus, Symphoni, Schnieder Electric and Nutanix made personal donations in addition to company donations, which speaks to a business culture that nurtures solidarity. The Digital Serbia Initiative reacted immediately and encouraged its members and partners to donate to UNICEF in Serbia. Our national ambassador, Ana Ivanović, was also among the first to donate, and promptly invited her friends and partners to get involved, as did business people who live and work outside of Serbia. Thanks to such a response, Serbia stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the United States, Denmark and China in terms of the speed at which the business sector reacted to UNICEF's appeal. Once again, I want to thank everyone for recognizing us as the right partner even in times of crisis. We now have the opportunity, together with the business community, to chart the path ahead and be aware of what we can do together in the recovery period, especially by using the power of innovation, family-friendly business policy opportunities and co-creation to re-imagine sustainable and inclusive recovery that puts children, young people and the planet itself in the spotlight.
Children's rights How does the crisis caused by the virus affect children's rights? — The crisis caused by the COVID-19 virus is a crisis of children's rights. We know that children are less likely to get the virus, but now we must act so that they do not become hidden victims. As health care systems around the world are struggling to withstand the burden of the crisis, borders are closed and families coping with the aftermath of the pandemic, COVID-19 takes lives, but also livelihoods. All over the world, this crisis is affecting the ability
to provide basic services to children. The most vulnerable children - such as those affected by poverty, exclusion or domestic violence - are at even greater risk, cut off from existing support. The situation is similar in Serbia. UNICEF's Study on the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Families with Children found that income declined during the pandemic in almost 50% of households with children. Also, one in four children needed health services during the epidemic, and about a third of those children did not receive them.
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Despite the Challenges, There are Opportunities to Act We partner with the private sector to improve how we finance and deliver critical services and to influence business’ contribution to social good he COVID-19 pandemic, as the biggest health crisis in the last 100 years, took many lives and dealt severe blows to the economy, and at the same time, reminded all people of important social values - solidarity, empathy and humanity. We stand strongest when we are united has been demonstrated by the energetic, united, fast and efficient response of the business community, whose members have volunteered to help. Serbia should be proud of such
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business leaders, whose solidarity has given strength to UNICEF in Serbia to continue disseminating information to the public regarding preventive measures and potential risks, as well as to provide support to parents and guardians of children. WHO HAS DONATED TO UNICEF IN SERBIA? Nordeus, Phi Academy, Ana Ivanović with partners, Schneider Electric, Telenor, Symphony, Nutanix, Orion Telekom, Catena Media, I&F Mc-
Cann Group, Nova Communications, Telegroup, Endava, Vega IT Sourcing d.o.o., Raiffeisenbank, Vojvodjanska Banka, Eurobank, Sberbank, Steel Impex, Typhoon Hill, Petite Geneve Petrović Serbia, Continental Automotive Serbia, Recycling Association of Serbia, EXLRT, Execom, Kalemegdan Development, Prozone, EKO Serbia, Merck, Lidl Serbia, MOL Serbia, Online Courses, Inter Gradex Trade, Emakina RS, Quantox Technology, Ardagh Group, Rio Tinto and UNICEF ambassador Ana Ivanović.
Protect Children and Families, Be Responsible UNICEF’s national ambassador for Serbia responded immediately to this crisis ANA IVANOVIĆ
UNICEF’s national ambassador
The UNICEF ambassadors, celebrities who, through their actions and influence, mobilize support and assistance for children and the realization of children’s rights are particularly important in promoting solidarity and launch of philanthropic campaigns. Ana Ivanović, UNICEF’s national ambassador for Serbia, responded immediately to this crisis. Her power to move her co-workers and friends is invaluable, especially at times when we face an unprecedented health crisis. She made a personal donation and mobilized her business partners and friends to provide as many respirators as possible to Serbia
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via UNICEF. Ana thanked her friends and partners on social media: „I would like to extend my endless gratitude to my friends and partners who responded to my call to help UNICEF in acquiring the necessary medical equipment for the prevention of the coronavirus pandemic that will help with saving lives in these difficult times. Thank you so much EXLRT, Execom, the Serbian Association of Recyclers, Prozone, Kalemegdan Development and Petite Geneve Petrović. Your support is priceless because the current state of emergency puts children and their families in an even bigger danger.“
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We Want to Motivate Others We are all in this together and we are extremely glad that our action encouraged others to help MILOŠ PAUNOVIĆ
Corporate Social Responsibility Specialist at Nordeus
In the situation when the world as we know is changing and adapting to contain the pandemic, the size of the impact this will have on our society is only just becoming visible. I think it’s crucial, more than ever, for everybody to be empathic and try to help in any way possible they can. For companies, first, that means putting their people first and taking care of them and their families, and then finding a way to help the community by giving back goods, funds, connections, influence. Our employees wanted to participate, and as a company, we immediately responded to their donation, and then we multiplied this by col-
laborating with UNICEF, inciting other companies to join and provide the necessary medical equipment. More than 20 companies from all over Serbia contacted us, UNICEF or the B92 Fund, with the information that they also wish to provide support, inspired by our action. During the ten years of our existence, our people have always wanted to help others in all possible ways - it is simply a part of our culture. For us in Nordeus, giving back is in our DNA, and by taking an active role, we wanted to lead by example and motivate others to get involved. I hope we did it and that it will make a difference.
Together We Can Overcome Anything It is important to recognize situations where we can help the most MARIJA VUJANIĆ
Communications and Sustainable Development Director, Telenor Serbia
The months ahead will be peculiar and society will need time to recover, especially given that the epidemic is not over yet. We will be there to help, primarily where our expertise can change things for the better. This crisis has taught us that the business, civil and public sectors can join forces and resources in a short time, and overcome great challenges. This is a principle that should remain in force in the future. We are also close to finishing the new competition launched by the Telenor Foundation called "Imagine Everything" through which all humanitarian, non-governmental and non-profit organizations, institutions and foundations with innovative solutions that can contribute to the further development of society. Telenor is a long-term partner of UNICEF, which, in addition to implementing strategic programmes, selflessly helps in emergencies. Amid the crisis, we focused on those areas that were of most importance for the
community and our beneficiaries and where our support could have a clear and concrete impact. Such was the initiative of our longterm partners from UNICEF - the procurement of medical equipment and packages for the most vulnerable families. Thank you for the initiative and for recognizing where we, as the private sector, can help the most. In 2019, Telenor was the recipient of the Virtus Award based on its long-term partnership of business and non-profit sector, which is awarded to companies and individuals who have contributed to the common good in the most effective way, thanks to our long-term partnership with UNICEF on the implementation of the project "Safe Internet for the Whole Family". This topic is more important now than ever because we are in a time when the world has switched to an online way of functioning in just a few months. Although the VIRTUS Award is not the only measure of success, it means a lot to us.
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We Support Our Healthcare System It is important to show solidarity and responsibility towards the society in which we do business SLAVICA PAVLOVIĆ
Chairwoman of the Executive Board of Eurobank
We support all individual activities of the employees towards promoting responsible behaviour in society, solidarity and assistance to the health care system, and in the days to come, we will consider other ways through which we can contribute to this common struggle of all people in Serbia. As a socially responsible company, Eurobank provided six million dinars for the purchase of the medical equipment required for curbing the coronavirus epidemic. The donation is realized via UNICEF, which invited companies and individuals to express solidarity and donate funds for procuring the necessary equipment for saving lives of people in Serbia and supporting our health-
care system. We are aware that the situation demands urgent reaction and support to healthcare institutions and their patients in order to ensure adequate medical treatment. As part of its contribution to fighting against the coronavirus epidemic, Eurobank provided funds in the amount of 6 million dinars for the purchase of medical and safety equipment for treating patients with coronavirus. With this donation, we also aim to support our healthcare system, which has a very difficult task ahead. We believe that it is important, now more than ever, to show solidarity and responsibility towards the society where we do business.
Instigators of Change in Societies We are in this together and we are all moving towards the same goal and that is to be #changethatmatters in our society IVAN DRAGOŠAN
General Manager of Symphony
One of the pillars of Symphony’s culture is the constant feedback that we get from all team members. This way of communication requires constant work on promoting the exchange of opinions and stances between all team members. We are committed to following the pulse of our team and providing them with an environment
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that gives them the opportunity to be committed to initiatives and things that are an integral part of their personal lives. This was best demonstrated on the example of the support that our employees gave to health care institutions in Serbia during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are proud of the fact that Symphony employees want to promote a variety of initiatives aimed at helping society to cope more easily with the challenges and problems it faces and knowing that their colleagues and the company will support them in doing so. Such a culture is constantly being built and requires companies and management to actively work on internal communication and identification of opportunities related to the personal development of employees within the company. The implementation of tools, platforms and culture that encourage employees to share their opinions with the rest of the team without hesitation, knowing that other colleagues will sup-
port them, is the basis of such initiatives. If the company is actively working to support employees to participate in activities that help society cope with challenges, or in other examples we can find in Symphony like the opportunities to actively play sports, eat healthy or learn a foreign language during working hours, it boosts employee satisfaction in the long run and thus the business. Our employees, who actively share the recommendations and their impressions of working for Symphony with their friends and acquaintances, are one of our strongest tools for attracting new talent to Symphony. We believe that our role is to openly discuss challenges and use our platforms, both internal and external, to share ways individuals or groups can influence change in their society. We believe that our employees do a great job, and our task, as a company, is to support these activities and in the right way inspire other members of society to do the same.
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People are Behind the Idea to Act Companies have probably responded in the best manner, since they had prepared for business transformation beforehand; to be able to transit to the new mode of working with the help of technology ZORAN PETROVIĆ CEO of Raiffeisen Bank
I think all good initiatives should come from “within”, from the people themselves and their creative and humane potential. I am proud that the team of people in our bank shares this conviction of mine, it has been like that since the beginning of our business activities in Serbia, which is now almost two decades. Socially responsible projects are not just one of the aspects of our business, but they are woven into the core of our relationship towards the community where we do business. Our employees know they will always have the support for all humanitarian initiatives. In moments of emergency and in crisis situations we have always reacted promptly. Even when support is offered by the bank, it is actually people who are behind the idea to act in a charitable manner. It is also important to stress that our employees have organized numerous voluntary initiatives. Apart from realizing good business results, these are probably the moments when all of us were most proud and the happiest because of a good job we did. Young people in the contemporary world also increasingly appreciate business aspects
not necessarily linked to the company’s core business, and maybe they are ready to trust more those whom they consider to be more socially responsible. We do not do good deeds in order to brag about them, but to really support those in need, at the moment when they need it most. Most positive feedback and thanks come unexpectedly, because good deeds are talked about. That is why I think the role of the media is also important – not to praise the company in order to build up its reputation, but even more so that other companies and individuals should be inspired to give their contribution as well. This was confirmed now as well when the pandemic struck, when, together with UNICEF and several other companies, we were among the first to react in mid-March by donating funds for the purchase of respirators for our hospitals. We are witnesses that in the weeks after that a range of new donations by individuals and companies, individual voluntary projects, etc. happened. This is why I always stress the importance of cooperation, synergy of business, individuals and the media as an important link in the communication chain.
Sustainable Business is One of Our Pillars The company quickly donated funds from its own budget and a large number of employees promptly joined in and donate their own personal funds NEDA LAND
Human Resources Director of Schneider Electric Development Center in Novi Sad
Establishment and strengthening of corporate culture is reflected on developing and nurturing a vision and values shared by everyone, both the management and employees in which they all believe in. Our company’s orientation is to be socially responsible and since the employees are its integral part, we pay special attention that initiatives clearly reflects our shared efforts – to help the community where we operate and provide support to the most vulnerable ones, especially in the challenging times. The campaign of raising funds in the response to the coronavirus epidemic was launched immediately after the state of emergency declaration. Our employees know that business operations are closely related to stability and prosperity of the entire society, so it is clear that such campaigns help the company to achieve its goals as well. Initiatives where
employees are personally involved are significant because they strengthen the foundations of the company and are an excellent indicator of its strength. Campaigns such as this one definitely demonstrate that our employees share the same goals, freely develop and nurture the culture of unity and solidarity, and it largely contributes to a positive perception of the company internally, as well as externally – they also have excellent feedback among young experts, who find it easier to decide to start or continue developing their career in companies like this. Our company invests huge efforts in improving children’s position through various programs in the area of education, both globally and in Serbia. We believe that education and adoption of new knowledge are the only proper way of making entire communities, not only the youngest, resistant to future crises.
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The Story About ‘I am Not a Robot’ I am Bojana, a power engineer at Schneider Electric DMS, and I am not a robot BOJANA OSTOJIĆ
Power Engineer at Schneider Electric DMS
‘I am not a Robot’ is an independent campaign launched by a segment of the IT society of Novi Sad, with the view of supporting the medical staff at the Clinical Centre of Vojvodina (KCV) in the fight against the COVID-19 contagion. Over the last nine years of working in the IT sector, I have accumulated a lot of contacts and met many good people. I used social media to invite them to participate in this campaign by following 3 steps: 1. Pay, 2. Share information, 3. Stay at home. The information spread very quickly and the social media post was followed by several thousand people. There were a lot of positive comments, as the majority of the people supported the campaign. That was wind to my sails so I set out to contact more people and inform about the campaign. The market value of one medical ventilator at the beginning of the action
was one million dinars, so the campaign’s goal was to raise that amount of money. At the end of the campaign, the market value of a single ventilator was 2.5 million RSD, and we have managed to collect 606,000 dinars. We failed and succeeded, at the same time. The money was donated to UNICEF for the purchase of 13 sets of PPE (a package of protective equipment for one medical worker for an entire month), as well as about 30 visors. In cooperation with UNICEF, a letter was sent to the Ministry of Health to direct this donation to KCV. I don’t know if the equipment ended up exactly there, but I’m certainly happy if we helped someone. Another great success of this campaign is the Typhoon Hill Company donating donated 5 oxygen devices, worth 900,000 dinars, following our invitation to join the ‘I am not a Robot’ campaign.
Let’s Take the Lead In difficult times, we need to provide support and stand in solidarity, but also express our gratitude to those people who have borne the greatest burden, especially medical workers SRĐAN ŠAPER
Founder of I&F McCann Group
More than other people or companies, we are the ones who can remind the public about this through our work. Let’s take the lead, set an example and show our creative ideas and our values, which are so very important these days. Solidarity is a condition for success, both as a company and as a civilization. Therefore, there will never be enough of nice gestures, kindness, and caring. Colleagues from our SDG agency in Norway are running a campaign for their country’s brand under the slogan Stronger Together. We have proven that this applies to us as well. We have also shown great solidarity with the society we live in and with each other, and I think that in the days to come we will be ready to continue as far as we can. I am proud that as a company, with the support of our employees, we were among the first to join the UNICEF Serbia campaign
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and purchase five respirators for health centres. I am proud of the fact that we were among the first companies to respond to UNICEF’s appeal in Serbia with a donation for the purchase of 5 ventilators. By doing so, we provided much-needed help to our health care system and the citizens of Serbia at the most critical moment. In difficult times, we need to provide support and stand in solidarity, but also express our gratitude to those people who have borne the greatest burden, especially medical workers. The Thank you, Doctors campaign, created by McCann Belgrade and other McCann agencies in the region, is our expression of gratitude. The campaign gave a voice to many anonymous individuals, nameless heroes who have been selflessly and bravely sacrificing themselves for the welfare and health of the most vulnerable people.
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Mobilization of All Available Resources Solidarity in difficult times is crucial in order to tackle the challenges we face together UNICEF has mobilized all available resources to immediately support the Government of the Republic of Serbia’s effort on combating the coronavirus epidemic. One of the key elements of UNICEF’s global mandate is to respond to emergency situations using its expertise and operational experience. In this way, and thanks to its rapid reaction, UNICEF Serbia contributes to mitigating the effects of the coronavirus on the normal functioning of the lives of children, young people and their families.
Twelve of Fifty Respirators Donated
UNICEF delivered twelve of 50 respirators purchased for health care institutions in Serbia. Two respirators were delivered to the Novi Sad Clinical Centre (four), to Clinical Centres in Niš, Vranje, Leskovac and Ćuprija, in Bežanijska Kosa Hospital and Clinical Centre, and one each was given to the University Children’s Clinic in Tiršova Street and the Mother and Child Institute. The remaining respiratory products will be delivered during June.
UNICEF has so far delivered 61 flowmeters in total, procured for healthcare institutions in Serbia. The flowmeters have been delivered to the CHC Zemun, CHC Zvezdara, Institute for Orthopaedic Surgery “Banjica”, CC Vojvodina, CHC Dragiša Mišović, CC Kragujevac, Clinic for Infectious Diseases and Pulmonology Clinic of the CC of Serbia, and GH Novi Pazar, CHC Niš and Covid Centre in Leskovac. UNICEF delivered oxygen flowmeters and a pulse oximeter to the Clinical Centre Niš and three oxygen flow-
The purchase of 50 top quality respirators and other medical equipment for the health care system would not be possible without the support of the private sector in Serbia and UNICEF Serbia National Ambassador, Ana Ivanović. Evita Infinity V500 respirators, purchased from the German manufacturer Dreager, can be used on both children and adults, and are compatible with the needs of the health care system in Serbia.
meters to the COVID Centre of the General Hospital in Leskovac. Oxygen flowmeters were donated to support the treatment of COVID patients who need oxygen therapy, while the pulse oximeter is intended for faster and more accurate measurement of oxygen concentration in the bloodstream. UNICEF procured the flowmeters thanks to the donation from IT Company Nutanix, while the company Symphony made it possible to procure the pulse oximeter.
Donation of Oxygen Flowmeters and a Pulse Oximeter 47
The First Part of Protective Equipment
The first part of protective equipment has arrived in Serbia at the beginning of April, which UNICEF, with the support of private sector partners and individuals, has provided to support the health system in the fight against the virus corona. The equipment at that time included: 1,549 suits, 9,000 N95 masks, 99,950 surgical masks, 25,116 protective coats, 5,200 protective aprons, 71,900 surgical gloves and 5,376 visors. The companies whose donations made it possible to purchase the equipment that arrived in Serbia are: Eurobank, Telenor Foundation, Steel Impex, Nova Communications, Vega IT Sourcing Ltd., Sberbank, Typhoon Hill. “UNICEF is fully supportive of national efforts to protect the population through the procurement of critically needed equipment for the health care system, as well as providing hygiene products for the most vulnerable families and children. We greatly appreciate the contribution of
the private sector to our work – both for regular programs for children and for emergencies like the one we are all now facing. The business community has shown true solidarity, and in a time of economic uncertainty, has committed part of its revenues to helping society. I thank all the companies that donated to UNICEF to help us get rid of the corona virus and save lives in Serbia” said in April Regina De Dominicis, UNICEF Representative in Serbia. As an organization that helps solve more than 300 crisis situations in the world annually, UNICEF works with more than 1,000 suppliers and leaders worldwide to find solutions to current market constraints. Solidarity in difficult times is key in order to tackle the challenges we face together. Humanity is facing a global crisis that does not recognize borders and only on our humane and united response depends on the speed at which we will overcome the crisis.
Donations from the Business Community to UNICEF Despite the slowdown in business activity across the economic branches, the business community has responded very quickly to UNICEF’s appeal in Serbia for companies and individuals to donate towards the purchase of respirators and medical and healthcare equipment. Nordeus, Catena, Nutanix and Endava have further motivated their employees to help UNICEF with individual donations to respond promptly to the situation caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Symphony’s employees have independently launched a fundraising campaign, which the company itself backed with an additional donation which will go towards purchasing medical and protective equipment.
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The private sector in Serbia has shown great solidarity and is one of the five private sectors in the world that responded the fastest to UNICEF's appeal in the fight against COVID-19, with a total donation of 1,103,469 US dollars to help fight the coronavirus contagion in our country. The globally renowned Serbian gaming company Nordeus was the biggest single donor and has focused its energy on helping the community during the first weekend of the state of emergency. Thanks to the personal engagement of its employees, the owners and senior management, during that weekend, Noredus team secured funds for the procurement of the mechanical ventilators.
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