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How did the pandemic affect the birth of babies?

How did the pandemic affect the birth of babies?

For 2020 in Albania, the baby bonus was distributed for 36,188 births or about 4.5% less than a year ago.

According to the figures of the Ministry of Health in 2020, the reward of babies worth 40 thousand ALL was distributed for 36,188 births out of 37,810 births that received a reward in 2019.

The shrinking number of marriages in 2020 and the embryonic health uncertainties of Covid-19 are having an effect on fertility.

Obstetricians and gynecologists of state maternity hospitals explained to Monitor earlier that it is noticed that many couples are reluctant to plan a pregnancy, as they are afraid of the problems it can cause in the COVID-19 embryo.

The obstetrician-gynecologist, Aferdita Kruja, at American Hospital 2, explained that many couples have postponed planning after vaccination. "Some couples are reluctant to start a pregnancy, for several reasons. "First, many couples wait to be vaccinated and then to start a good pregnancy and a healthy birth of a child", said Mrs. Kruja.

In 2020, according to INSTAT data, marriages also experienced a significant decline. According to INSTAT data, last year about 17.5 thousand marriage acts were concluded in the country. This is the lowest number of marriages reported at least since 1990. Compared to 2019, celebrations fell 22%.

Meanwhile, the fund distributed for the baby bonus for 2020 increased by 16% compared to 2019. The increase of the fund has come due to the escalation of the scheme. The payment for the birth of the first child is 40 thousand ALL; for the second child 80 thousand ALL; for the third, fourth and following child the baby bonus is 120 thousand Lekë for each child; for mothers who give birth to twins, the benefit measure will be in the amount of 80 thousand ALL for each child; for mothers who give birth to triplets and more, the benefit measure will be in the amount of 120 thousand ALL for each child. The baby bonus is given in two parts. The first check is obtained immediately (35 thousand ALL for the first child; 75 thousand for the second child and 115 thousand for the third child) while the second check worth 5 thousand ALL is obtained after the registration of the child in the civil status.

With the launch of the scheme in January 2019, the Ministry of Health claimed that the bonus is universal, so it benefits all families, regardless of where the mother decides to give birth to the child. For children born in private hospitals, at home or abroad, the baby check will be issued by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare after the newborn is registered at the civil status offices.

* Received from Monitor.al