Dasja Pajkrt initieert Stichting CMVkids om aangeboren CMV te stoppen
Amsterdam, Netherlands — January 23, 2026 — CMVkids Foundation, founded by Prof. Dasja Pajkrt, professor of viral infectious diseases in children, today announces its official launch as a non-profit organization. The foundation is committed to combating congenital CMV and aims to improve the lives of affected children and their families in the Netherlands.
The CMVkids Foundation aims to raise awareness in the Netherlands about congenital CMV, one of the leading causes of congenital abnormalities in the country. This new foundation seeks to provide information about congenital CMV, support affected children and their families, and conduct research into this disease in order to improve the future prospects of children with congenital CMV.
Congenital CMV occurs when CMV is transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy. Every year, 1,100 babies are born with congenital CMV in the Netherlands. Many children suffer lifelong complications, such as deafness, developmental delays, and brain disorders. Despite this enormous impact, congenital CMV is unknown in the Netherlands, both among patients and healthcare providers.
The CMVkids Foundation was established to raise awareness and publicize congenital CMV, increase knowledge about this condition, and support affected children and their families. "Too often, families only hear about congenital CMV when their child has been diagnosed," says Pajkrt. "That has to change. As a foundation, we are committed to increasing knowledge about this disease, supporting affected children and their families, and strongly promoting screening, diagnosis, care, and treatment."
The foundation focuses on:
Increasing public and medical knowledge of congenital CMV
Providing reliable information and community support to families
Advocacy through better education, screening, and research
Strengthening the voice of children with congenital CMV
The CMVkids Foundation works with healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, and advocacy groups to reduce the long-term impact of congenital CMV and improve the future prospects for affected children. "Early recognition of congenital CMV and timely treatment can make a real difference in a child's life," adds Pajkrt. "By raising awareness of congenital CMV, we want to help affected children and families and prevent future and new cases."
About the CMVkids Foundation
The CMVkids Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness of congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, supporting affected children and their families, and promoting screening, diagnosis, care, and treatment. Through education, community initiatives, collaboration, and research, the foundation strives to ensure that no family is left to cope alone.
Media Contact:
Dara Satrio
Chief Communication Officer
CMVkids Foundation
info@cmvkids.com
www.cmvkids.com
