11 health facilities recognised for advancing baby-friendly care

The Ministry of Health (MoH), in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), recently hosted an awards ceremony recognising healthcare facilities for their participation and achievements under Phase Two of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI).
The ceremony, held at the MoH’s Conference Room, highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen maternal and child healthcare services, promote breastfeeding and ensure that mothers and newborns receive quality care and support at healthcare institutions across Guyana. The recognition of these facilities, the MoH stated in its social media post, represents another important step towards creating supportive healthcare environments where mothers are empowered to make informed decisions about infant feeding and newborns are given a healthy start to life.
The BFHI is a global programme aimed at promoting, protecting and supporting breastfeeding by encouraging healthcare facilities to adopt practices that provide mothers with the necessary information, guidance and assistance to successfully breastfeed their babies.

According to the Health Ministry’s report, Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, delivered his remarks reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to improving maternal and child health outcomes through strengthened healthcare services and the continued implementation of initiatives that support the health and well-being of mothers and infants.
The programme also featured remarks from UNICEF’s Social Policy Specialist, Mr Michael Gillis, who addressed UNICEF’s continued support for breastfeeding and the BFHI, while PAHO’s Specialist in Family and Community Health, Dr Janice Woolford, delivered brief remarks.
Additionally, BFHI Programme Coordinator, Ninian Blair, provided an overview of Phase Two of the initiative, highlighting its importance in advancing breastfeeding-friendly practices within healthcare institutions.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of awards to 11 healthcare facilities across Regions One, Three, Four, Five and Six, recognising their achievements under Phase Two of the initiative.

The facilities recognised were: Mabaruma Regional Hospital – Region One; Kumaka District Hospital – Region One; Port Kaituma District Hospital – Region One; Pakera District Hospital – Region One; Baramita Cottage Hospital – Region One; West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH)– Region Three; Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC)– Region Four; Davis Memorial Hospital – Region Four; Bath Regional Hospital – Region Five; New Amsterdam Regional Hospital – Region Six; and Port Mourant District Hospital – Region Six.
Additionally, three healthcare facilities received Certificates of Commitment, recognising their dedication to advancing the objectives of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative. These were Mahaicony District Hospital in Region Five, Mibicuri District Hospital in Region Six and Number 75 Regional Hospital in Region Six.
The Ministry of Health noted that it continues to prioritise maternal and child healthcare through strategic partnerships, capacity-building initiatives and the implementation of evidence-based practices aimed at improving healthcare delivery nationwide. (Story and photos: MoH Facebook page)