Sixty-seven people ran for the Paolo Chiesi Foundation along the streets of Milan. Six hundred and eighty-six chose to support them. The result is a shared goal achieved: €19,332 raised to strengthen neonatal care in Benin.
With the Milano Marathon 2026, a journey made of training sessions, relay legs and personal fundraising efforts comes to an end. Above all, it was a journey of participation—one that turned every kilometer run and every donation into concrete support for the health of the most vulnerable newborns.
Running and fundraising: a collective challenge
Sixty-four relay runners and three marathon runners took part on behalf of the Foundation, committing themselves not only on the road but also as personal fundraisers. Alongside them, a wide network of donors chose to support the project with a contribution, showing how individual actions can come together to create real impact.
The Milano Marathon is a major event involving many nonprofit organizations every year. Within this shared context, the Paolo Chiesi Foundation focused its efforts on a specific project, with a clear and measurable objective.
One project, one clear goal
The fundraising campaign supported the project “A Healthy Start for Newborns in Benin”, implemented at two partner hospitals: Saint Jean de Dieu Hospital in Tanguiéta and the Mother and Child University Hospital Lagune (CHU‑MEL) in Cotonou.
The initiative aims to strengthen neonatal care through the NEST Model – Neonatal Essentials for Survival and Thriving, an integrated approach addressing the leading causes of neonatal mortality, with particular attention to premature babies, low‑birth‑weight newborns, and those facing complications in the first days of life.
How the funds will be used
The contribution raised through the Milano Marathon 2026 will support four strategic areas of neonatal care.
Training of healthcare professionals
Funds will be allocated to training programmes for doctors, nurses, and staff working in neonatal and Kangaroo Care units, with a focus on essential newborn care, emergency management, and early identification of complications. Strengthening clinical skills means improving the timeliness and quality of care when it matters most.
Neonatal units: spaces and equipment
Resources will also support the improvement of care environments and the procurement of essential medical equipment, crucial to adequately assist the most fragile newborns and to ensure that neonatal and Kangaroo Care units are fully functional in both partner hospitals.
Promoting Kangaroo Care and family involvement
Part of the funds will help expand Kangaroo Care, a simple yet high‑impact practice based on skin‑to‑skin contact and breastfeeding. The project actively involves families from the early stages of hospitalization and supports continuity of care after discharge.
Data collection and perinatal networks
The initiative will also strengthen clinical data collection and analysis systems, while reinforcing perinatal networks among healthcare facilities. This will improve care monitoring and collaboration between maternity wards, neonatal units, and community services.
A thank-you message from the wards
The true meaning of this initiative emerges clearly from the voices of those working every day alongside newborns and their families. From the neonatal wards of the two partner hospitals, heartfelt messages of thanks have been shared with everyone who ran, donated, and supported the project.
Message from the staff of Saint Jean de Dieu Hospital, Tanguiéta
Message from the staff of CHU‑MEL, Cotonou
To those who ran as relay runners or marathon runners, to those who launched a personal fundraising page, to everyone who donated or helped spread the word: thank you. Milano Marathon 2026 shows that when commitment is shared and focused, even a race can help give many newborns a safer start in life.
