One of the priorities in reforming the health care system in Ukraine today is to identify a complex of prophylactic measures focused on prevention of disabilities in children. These measures will enable us to decrease the number of handicapped children and adolescents, set up a modern system of medical and social rehabilitation for children with disorders of the nervous system, involve these children into various kinds of social activities.

Ms. Raisa Bogatyryova, MP of Ukraine

Rehabilitation means efficient health recuperation i.e. decreasing the number of complications in spite of the occurred irreversible damage. Rehabilitation is a continuous process based on the following principles: early diagnosis, early treatment, early medical rehabilitation, social adaptation and co-work with parents. The focus should be on the child and his problem. This should be recognized by authorities and health care administrators. Only then the idea of Common Europe, collaboration without borders for the sake of our children, can be implemented.

Dr. Hubertus von Voss, Professor of the University, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Director of Pediatric Rehabilitation Centre in Munich (Germany)

Whatever is done for children (even from the financial point of view) will be paid off in the future. Early medical, pedagogical and psychological support for handicapped children and children who are at risk (those with developmental delay and behavioral disorders) should be based on inter-disciplinarian approach and involve the latest advances in technology. Such support is one of the most important components of any civilized country's policy.

Dr. Christoph Hilzel, Deputy Minister of Labor, Social Protection, Family, Women and Health of Bavaria (Germany)

Nervous system disorders cause disability in children more frequently than any other diseases. The most common are cerebral palsy, epilepsy and epileptic syndromes, hereditary and degenerative diseases of nervous system. Prophylactic measures, early diagnosis and early rehabilitation can prevent disability in children and contribute to improving health of the nation. To solve this problem it is necessary to set up and implement an up-to-date system of Perinatal and Medical-social Rehabilitation Centres for children.

Dr. Volodymyr Martynyuk, Director of Ukrainian Medical Rehabilitation Centre for Children with Organic Disorders of Nervous system, Chief pediatric neurologist of Ukraine.