24 April 2007
The Eastern Cape Department of Health will be launching a baby friendly
hospital initiative (BFHI) at the Andries Vosloo Hospital in Somerset East, 24
April 2007.
The baby friendly hospital initiative was initiated by the United Nations
International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) to promote exclusive breast
feeding for six months. This strategy is a key child survival strategy.
According to scientific evidence, exclusive breast feeding reduces the less
than five mortality rate by 13%. It enables mothers to acquire the skills they
need to breastfeed exclusively and to continue to breastfeed with the addition
of complementary foods for two years or beyond.
The country has made significant progress in the implementation of the BFHI.
It has exceeded its target of 40% through the 192 accredited BFHI facilities
required by 2006/07. To date there are 203 baby friendly health facilities.
The assessments started in 1999 in the province when one hospital received a
baby friendly status. A lot of work has been done since then with the result
that the province is now proud of 36 facilities that have been certified baby
friendly. This places the Eastern Cape's baby friendly facilities in second
position in the country.
Provincial celebrations will be held to make communities aware of this
initiative in order to support and sustain exclusive breastfeeding when the
mothers are discharged from the facilities.
BFHI contributes to the quality of mother and baby care. According to the
anecdotal evidence obtained from the mothers interviewed, BFHI facilities
provide better care for mother and baby with improved interaction between
health professionals and clients.
Enquiries:
Sizwe Kupelo
Media Liaison Officer
Tel: 040 609 3565
Cell: 083 378 0196
Issued by: Department of Health, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
24 April 2007
Source: Eastern Cape Provincial Government (http://www.ecpg.gov.za)
