Subdivisional Hospital Scoops Award For Best Baby Friendly Hospital
The Bua Subdivisional Hospital in Nabouwalu was awarded the National Baby Friendly Hospital award yesterday. This was during an official programme that was organised to mark the launching of the National Nutrition Month and World Breastfeeding Week 2017.
The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) has been spearheaded by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services in partnership with UNICEF and World Health Organisation (WHO).
It was launched at the Bua Subdivisional Hospital in the northern division by the Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services Alexander O’Connor yesterday. The award recognises the commitment of the staff in achieving high standards of breastfeeding promotion, protection and support necessary for it to be accredited the national ‘Baby Friendly’ Hospital. Mr O’Connor highlighted the importance and benefits of the BFHI. “Meeting the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative standards and accreditations is aligned with the National Strategic Plan indicator of the Health Ministry which aims to reduce malnutrition among new born through breastfeeding promotion and support for maternal, infant and child health,” Mr O’Connor said.
“We are aware that the early years of a child’s life provide a unique opportunity for establishing and ensuring a lifelong health pattern in their adulthood.
“Research shows that by effectively supporting, promoting and protecting breastfeeding, we can uniquely take advantage of this opportunity as it gives babies significant protection against many infections and illnesses.
“Thus babies with a history of breastfeeding have fewer infections and illnesses throughout childhood but they also have a significantly lower risk of developing heart diseases and obesity much later in life.”
The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative has contributed significantly in enhancing the Health Ministry’s policies and strategies to better promote, protect and support breastfeeding for newborn babies.
“The effectiveness of the Baby Friendly Initiative is soundly research based and every hospital participating in this unique initiative has directly achieved improvements in breastfeeding rates and practices.
“The national Nutrition Survey 2014 has shown an increase on exclusive breastfeeding for the 0 to six-months-old with 51 per cent when compared to 40 per cent in 2004 and this is indeed a significant achievements for all stakeholders involved in promoting this initiative.
“And I am pleased to say this support will continue and be further strengthened through more awareness and reach out,” Mr O’Connor said.
Meeting the Baby Friendly hospital Initiative standards and accreditations is aligned with the National Strategic Plan indicator of the Health Ministry which aims to reduce malnutrition among new born through breastfeeding promotion and support for maternal, infant and child health. Alexander O’Connor Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services