Banks DIH donates to national breastfeeding walk

As Guyana prepares to observe National Breastfeeding Week from Sunday, a series of events have been planned to sensitise the public on the importance of breastfeeding. Beverage giant Banks DIH Limited has already made a warm donation towards the cause. The series of events are planned by employees of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

The programme will begin on Sunday at 07:00h with a Breastfeeding Awareness Walk for all staff of the institution, commencing at the junction of Vlissengen Road and Lamaha Street and ending at the Maternity Unit Car Park.

In support of this year’s activity, Banks DIH has donated bottles of Rainforest Water and Well J Juice drink for Sunday’s event. The beverage company’s Brand Manager, Clive Pellew, made the presentation during a simple ceremony held on Friday at the GPHC. Denise Marks, Departmental Supervisor of the Maternity Unit, received the donation on behalf of the medical institution. Also in attendance were Keith Alonzo, Director of Nursing Services (ag); and Banks DIH Communications Manager Troy Peters.

Marks thanked the beverage company for supporting the walk, which she said is one of the main highlights of the week of activities; while Peters said his company was very appreciative in supporting the venture which promotes the importance of breastfeeding in Guyana.

According to the Departmental Supervisor, there will be an educational programme on Monday for anti-natal mothers at the Anti-Natal Clinic, while on Wednesday, new staff of the institution will attend a lecture on the importance of breastfeeding.

The GPHC was recently declared a baby-friendly institution by the World Health Organisation/UNICEF.