For Immediate Release ~ April 15, 2011

Yerevan, Armenia – Armenia Fund is renovating the maternity ward at Charentsavan Hospital, in Armenia’s Kotayk Region. The project, launched in the fall of 2010, is co-financed by the fund’s Dutch affiliate, donors in Armenia and the management of the hospital.

The refurbishment will result in addition of a second, and vitally needed, delivery room, replacement of the roof, a complete makeover of the ward’s interior, and installation of central heating.

“While the care and affection provided by Armenian mothers are key factors in good child rearing, the availability of well-appointed medical facilities is critically important to the health of children throughout their lives,” says Ara Vardanyan, executive director of the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund. “This is the reason that the fund focuses considerable attention on renovating healthcare establishments, and especially maternity wards, throughout Armenia and Artsakh.”

Built in 1967, the three-story Charentsavan Hospital serves not only the city of Charentsavan, but several nearby communities, comprising a total population of over 35,000. The facility features departments of surgery, physical therapy, and infectious diseases as well as a polyclinic, in addition to the maternity ward. The hospital employs a staff of 72, including 18 doctors.

Dr. Garnik Sahakyan, director of the hospital, says that close to 370 babies are delivered annually at the facility, and the number of deliveries this year has already reached 91. For the duration of the maternity ward’s reconstruction, deliveries will be performed in temporary rooms.

Armenia Fund, Inc., is a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation established in 1994 to facilitate large-scale humanitarian and infrastructure development assistance to Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh. Since 1991, Armenia Fund has rendered more than $200 million in development aid to Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh. Armenia Fund, Inc. is the U.S. Western Region affiliate of “Hayastan” All-Armenian Fund. Tax ID# 95-4485698