In times of war and displacement, life does not stop—families continue to grow, and ensuring access to healthcare information is crucial. With Burgas region hosting the largest number of people displaced by the war in Ukraine, providing essential health guidance to expectant mothers and their partners is more important than ever.

Last week, in Burgas, an IOM Bulgaria health mediator conducted an information session, equipping pregnant women from Ukraine and their partners with vital knowledge about pregnancy, maternal health, and navigating the Bulgarian healthcare system. The session covered a wide range of topics, including:

• What to expect during pregnancy and how to prepare for childbirth
   
• Understanding the Bulgarian healthcare system and accessing maternity services
   
• The importance of a healthy diet, physical activity, and mental well-being during pregnancy

By providing this support, we empower women facing displacement to make informed choices about their health and the well-being of their babies. Access to timely healthcare information can ease anxieties, prevent complications, and ensure safer pregnancies—even in the most challenging of circumstances.

IOM Bulgaria’s health mediation is implemented within the framework of the project “Improving access to healthcare for refugees and people displaced from Ukraine benefitting from temporary protection in Member States”, jointly supported by IOM and the World Health Organization (WHO) and funded by European Commission - Directorate General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE).