The BVI Health Services Authority advocates breastfeeding to “ensure healthier babies and ultimately a healthier territory,” according to a BVIHSA press release.
Senior Medical Officer and Head of Paediatrics Dr. Olumuyiwa Ogunde spoke about the importance of breastfeeding at the Breastfeeding Awareness and Recognition Ceremony held at the Queen Elizabeth II Park on Sunday.
“The World Health Organization estimates that as a result of not being breastfed, one million infants will die each year consequent to gastroenteritis and other preventable diseases,” he said.
“With the baby-friendly initiative, we can assist in reducing those numbers.”
Adopted by the BVIHSA, the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative is a global programme sponsored by the WHO and the United Nations Children’s Fund to encourage and recognize hospitals and birthing centres that offer an “optimal level of care” for infant feeding, according to the press release.
During the ceremony on Sunday mothers in attendance were given information about the benefits of breastfeeding. The theme of the day was, “Babies need mom-made not man-made milk,” the release said.
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