Friendliest mother baby hospital

DUSCHANKA HITZEROTH

EMPANGENI Lower Umfolozi Regional War Memorial Hospital has again re-attained status of being the best Mother Baby Friendly Hospital following the national assessment at the end of last year.

The Mother Baby Friendly Initiative (MBFI), aimed at improving child survival, is a worldwide programme by the World Health Organisation (WHO), in conjunction with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to protect, promote and support safe infant feeding practices.

Breastfeeding together with complimentary feeding greatly contributes to achieving all millennium development goals within the MBFI.

Research shows that breastfeeding could decrease child mortality by about 13% as it reduces the spread of infectious diseases.

‘It is so important that our mothers, especially first time mothers, know how to correctly feed their babies,’ said Intensive Care Unit Operations Manager Ntokozo Mbokazi.

‘Incorrectly feeding your baby can result in various complications, malnutrition being one of them, and possible diarrhoea,’ added Labour Ward Advanced Midwife Smangele Ngema.

The hospital has maintained this status for 11 years running concurrently.

‘We are very proud! As a maternity hospital we are pleased that we have been meeting the goals of the initiative and we are able to adequately promote breastfeeding and healthy child development,’ said Public Relations Officer Nompilo Mvubu.