First Lady of Lithuania: Interactions between young patients and clown doctors make treatment more bearable and contribute to faster recovery

On 15 May, First Lady of Lithuania Diana Nausėdienė, a regular participant in the Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen Global Platform, together with representatives of the Red Noses Clown Doctors organisation, visited young patients of the Paediatric Onco-Haematology Department of Santaros Klinikos University Hospital.

The First Lady of Lithuania emphasised that interactions between children and clown doctors build stronger connections between patients and medical staff, making treatments more bearable and contributing to faster recovery.

“Research shows that laughter, joy and smiles strengthen the immune system, reduce pain and stress hormones, and accelerate recovery. I am glad that emotional health and its ‘hygiene’ are receiving increasing attention in Lithuania, and that we are growing stronger as a society. It is vital that emotional support comes not only from medical institutions, but also from non-governmental organisations. By working together towards a shared goal, we can achieve the best outcomes for people’s health,” Mrs Nausėdienė noted.

Physical and mental health are interconnected, as proven by modern research. The success of initiatives like Red Noses is yet another, now empirical, confirmation of this.

The Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen Global Platform contributes to raising awareness of this topical issue. To mark Mental Health Awareness Month, observed in May, we have launched the 1000 Pieces of Your Mental Health awareness campaign, aimed at encouraging the audience to appreciate and share the small moments that bring joy and support their mental well-being.

More information about the initiative is available via the link.