St. Ann’s Bay Hospital Certified Baby Friendly

The St. Ann’s Bay Hospital, in St. Ann, celebrated a significant milestone on May 8, as it received certification from the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI).

This initiative, promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), aims to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding to ensure the health and well-being of mothers and their babies.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, lauded the hospital’s achievement, while noting the growth of BFHI-certified hospitals in Jamaica.

“In 2016, when I became Minister of Health, we had one Baby Friendly Hospital. Fast forward to today, we have moved from one to eight,” Dr. Tufton outlined.

“So, we now have Princess Margaret Hospital, Alexandria Community Hospital, Lionel Town Hospital, Port Maria Hospital, Port Antonio Hospital, Mandeville Regional Hospital, Black River Hospital and of course, the St Ann’s Bay Hospital,” he added.

The Minister commended the efforts of the healthcare workers across the certified institutions for their dedication to meeting the rigorous standards required for the designation.

He said their commitment to changing the approach to servicing mothers and expectant mothers demonstrates a dedication to providing the best possible care and that both mothers and their newborns receive the support and guidance needed for a healthy life.

“Baby Friendly designation means that we have a facility that is more friendly and more accommodating and allows for greater levels of efficiency that allows for the developmental cycle of both mother and child to be more effectively implemented,” Dr. Tufton explained.

Additionally, he commended the WHO, PAHO (Pan American Health Organization), UNICEF and other multilateral partners that have led this charge to help establish these standards in hospitals across the country.

Director of PAHO/WHO, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, congratulated St. Ann’s Bay Hospital for its commitment to the certification process.

He highlighted the global reach of BFHI components, emphasising the importance of implementing steps to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding, from antenatal care to postnatal discharge.

“I want you to maintain the standard that you have attained and to be an example for all the maternity facilities in this region,” Mr. Barbosa said.

UNICEF Jamaica Representative, Olga Isaza, indicated that the entity is fully committed to supporting this important initiative in the future, which will greatly benefit countless Jamaican children and future generations.

Shelly Ann Palmer, who recently gave birth at the hospital, shared her positive experience with breastfeeding, noting the convenience and health benefits for both mother and child.

“Breastfeeding is the best for the baby and the mother as well. Some people can even do it for up to two years or more. Also, the milk from the breast can be stored. It has everything,” she pointed out.