A new program of the Region of Central Macedonia, which aims to support maternity and young families, was presented today at a press conference by the deputy head of health and social solidarity Melina Dermenzopoulou. It is a pilot action “to raise awareness and mobilize the whole of society on the urgency of the demographic issue”, as the deputy regional governor said.

Under the new program, babies born within its administrative boundaries will be offered a baby package by the Region. In the first phase, 5,000 packages with basic items for newborn babies, from baby shampoos and bubble baths to bodysuits and baby towels, are to be offered. “With this symbolic action, the Region of Central Macedonia stands by our young residents, the babies born in our Region, but also their parents from the beginning and in all their future steps. At the same time, this pilot project is an awareness-raising action for the worrying demographic developments in Greece. We, in the Region of Central Macedonia, continue to work unhindered, to weave a net of solidarity and ensure our fellow citizens everything they need, showing the social face and responsibility that modern reality requires”, Mrs. Dermendzopoulou stressed.

She also referred to the indicators related to demographics, including the fact that, as in the whole country, Central Macedonia has fewer births than deaths (11,474 births compared to 21,879 deaths in 2023). “Demographics is one of the most critical issues facing Greek society as a whole today. Greece is slowly fading in terms of population and changes are taking place in its social fabric, dragging down all other indicators of development and progress. The latest census should mobilise us all”, Mrs. Dermenzopoulou said, stressing: “In the Region of Central Macedonia we follow an integrated planning to safeguard and improve the health and well-being of the population, support vulnerable groups, the family, the child and the elderly. All our projects and policies also contribute to the creation of a more family-friendly environment and, therefore, towards the goal of curbing negative indicators”.

More on the Babybox program at the following link: https://www.pkm.gov.gr/drasi-gia-tin-proaspisi-kai-ypostirixi-tis-mitrotitas/