site.btaPresident Radev to Launch 21st Bulgarian Christmas Fundraising Campaign on Monday

President Rumen Radev will launch the 21st Bulgarian Christmas fundraising campaign from the Black Sea city of Burgas on November 27. Held annually under the president's auspices, the campaign raises money for children who need medical diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation, Radev's Press Secretariat said on November 24.

The President is expected to announce the theme and the goals of the new edition of the effort, which will continue throughout 2024. He will report the outcome of the 2022/2023 edition, which focused on helping kids with rare genetic disorders. Donations from thousands of Bulgarians have helped hundreds of kids and hospitals across the country.

On November 20, the Neonatology Ward of the Dr Ivan Seliminski Hospital in Sliven, Southeastern Bulgaria received a high-class sonograph donated under the Bulgarian Christmas Initiative, the hospital said. It is a latest-generation device providing fast and accurate diagnosis and follow-up of brain formations, congenital anomalies and birth complications.

According to information provided by the head of the ward, Tanya Pramatarova, the department works with about 1,500 infants annually. The share of premature births in Sliven Region is higher than the country's average: 17.19%. This is the only facility in the region providing intensive and specialized care and consultation for high-risk and preterm newborns.