This June, the parent organization ΜΩΡΑ ΘΑΥΜΑΤΑ (“Miracle Babies”) hosted a groundbreaking national symposium in Nicosia under the theme “Prematurity – From the First Breath to Adulthood.” The event brought together high-ranking government officials, leading experts, and international partners to advance dialogue on neonatal and pediatric care in Cyprus.

Held under the auspices of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Cyprus, the symposium featured keynote addresses by Silke Mader, Co-Founder and Chairwoman of the Global Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants (GFCNI), and Professor Dieter Wolke, an internationally recognized developmental psychologist and expert on long-term outcomes of preterm birth.

The symposium attracted a distinguished audience, including Minister of Health Michalis Damianos and President of the House of Representatives (Parliament) Annita Demetriou. Their presence highlighted the national commitment to improving care for preterm and sick children – not just during infancy but through adolescence and beyond.

In her keynote address, Silke Mader emphasized the lifelong impact of preterm birth and the essential role of families in shaping outcomes. She called for coordinated, interdisciplinary care and system-level change that supports parents as partners throughout the healthcare journey.

The symposium also featured a powerful presentation by Professor Dieter Wolke, developmental psychologist and internationally renowned expert in long-term outcomes of preterm birth. Drawing on decades of research, Professor Wolke outlined the neurodevelopmental, cognitive, and social implications of early birth and underlined the importance of long-term follow-up and early support services.

His address complemented the advocacy messages of the day, offering robust scientific evidence for policy change and investment in early-life care continuity.

Healthcare professionals, educators, psychologists, and family advocates joined the program, sharing experiences and strategies to improve care and support at every stage. Mader’s visit added an international dimension to the event, showcasing GFCNI’s global mission to strengthen respectful, inclusive, and evidence-based care for every newborn and their family.

In side meetings, Mader met with local clinicians, parents, and representatives of ΜΩΡΑ ΘΑΥΜΑΤΑ to discuss ongoing collaboration and shared goals. She praised the organization’s dedication to advancing awareness, building support networks, and driving systemic change.