Finland sends 1000 maternity boxes to Ukraine

Finland has sent one thousand maternity packages to Ukraine in February and March, said the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and Ministry of the Interior in a joint press release on Tuesday.

The maternity package sent to support children and families is a comprehensive package of baby clothes and care products. It supports the family's coping with everyday life throughout infancy.

The Ministry of the Interior has purchased the packages from the Social Insurance Institution (Kela) and has been responsible for delivering them to Ukraine in several consignments through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

School buses and furniture as well as sports equipment have also been sent from Finland to help families, children and young people.

“Children are being born in Ukraine in very difficult conditions in the middle of a war. Almost everything is in short supply. Russia is trying to destroy the future of Ukraine's new generations. By sending maternity packages, we want to support newborn children and their families. The future of Ukraine lies in its children,” said Minister of the Interior Krista Mikkonen.

The functioning of healthcare services and social security as well as infrastructure also play an important role in the reconstruction of Ukraine.

“People in Finland are eager to help Ukrainians. Supporting the healthcare and social welfare sector is important, as it has both direct and far-reaching impacts. At best, early support for families can have long-lasting effects on the lives of children and parents. I would like to thank Kela and the Ministry of the Interior for organising maternity packages for Ukrainian children and families,” said Minister of Social Affairs and Health Hanna Sarkkinen.

Finland has previously sent, for example, emergency shelters, medicines, healthcare supplies, rescue service equipment, armoured accommodation containers for the use of rescue personnel, buses and energy equipment to Ukraine.

Civilian material assistance is delivered to those in need of assistance in cooperation with the responsible authorities in Ukraine.

The current aid operation in Ukraine is exceptional, and the need for assistance is expected to continue for a long time. The Ministry of the Interior is continuously putting together new civilian material assistance packages.