CMV Action is the only UK charity dedicated to supporting families affected by congenital CMV (cCMV), while also raising awareness of CMV and advocating for better information, prevention and support.

Congenital CMV can cause serious health problems for unborn babies if CMV is contracted during pregnancy. It is one of the most common non-genetic causes of childhood hearing loss and a leading cause of childhood disability. Despite this, awareness of CMV remains very low and many families face diagnosis and life with cCMV feeling isolated and unsupported.

Around 10 babies are born every day in the UK with congenital CMV, and 2–3 of those babies will experience long-term health issues or disabilities - affecting around 1,000 babies each year.

Through our CMV Connect support programme, we provide valuable peer-to-peer support spaces where families can connect with others who understand their experiences, share advice, ask questions and find emotional support. We also help families connect locally with others who may be facing similar challenges, helping to reduce isolation and build supportive communities.

CMV Action is the only UK charity offering advice and support to families affected by congenital CMV (cCMV). We are able to put families in touch with each other who may be facing similar issues or live nearby.CMV can pose serious problems to unborn babies if a woman catches it during pregnancy. In fact congenital CMV is one of the most common non-genetic cause of inner ear hearing loss and a major cause of childhood disability. Despite this, there is very little awareness of CMV and the facts are often misunderstood. 10 babies are born each day in the UK with CMV and 2 or 3 of these babies will have long-term problems – that is 1000 babies every year. We do not receive any government funding and it costs our charity £20,000 a year to help and support families affected by CMV.

How Your Support Helps

Your fundraising support will help us continue and grow our CMV Connect programme, ensuring more families affected by congenital CMV can access trusted information, peer support and meaningful connections when they need it most.