"Breastfeeding Friends" honours 30 mothers
The ceremony was attended by Her Excellency Engineer Khawla Abdulaziz Al Noman, Head of Breastfeeding Friends, members of the Board of Directors, members of the Mothers' Selection and Eligibility Committee, and a number of honoured mothers.
The ceremony honoured 30 inspiring mothers from various backgrounds, in recognition of their contributions to the journey of exclusive breastfeeding for two years, or for overcoming health and social challenges, in addition to breastfeeding mothers.
Sharjah.. a Child-Friendly City
Her Excellency Engineer Khawla Al Noman emphasised that honouring expresses the association's appreciation for mothers' efforts in adopting the option of breastfeeding, which is fundamental to children's physical, psychological, and emotional health, and based on the Emirate of Sharjah's vision as a child-friendly city, the association seeks to realise this vision, extending its efforts to include various cities in the United Arab Emirates, in support of the UAE efforts to promote the concept of sustainable family care.
Supporting Maternal and Child Health
Al Noman noted that the celebration coincides with this year's World Health Day theme, 'Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures', highlighting the importance of supporting maternal and child health in building strong and sustainable societies.
Al Noman expressed her deep gratitude to Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SCFA, and Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Honorary President of the Association, for their continuous support of motherhood and childhood and their pioneering initiatives in promoting family health.
Inspiring Stories and Real-Life Experiences
The ceremony featured inspiring stories and experiences of mothers who were able to overcome multiple challenges—from breastfeeding after facing difficulties and their own health conditions to dealing with premature babies—sending messages of strength and determination to all those present.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Mother's Medal and certificates of appreciation were distributed to mothers amid an atmosphere filled with pride and gratitude, affirming the Association's mission to highlight the role of mothers in raising healthy and well generations.
Supporting Mothers and Promoting Community Health
Breastfeeding Friends was established as one of the health-supporting associations affiliated with the Health Promotion Department. The Health Promotion Department at SCFA aims to spread the culture of breastfeeding, provide awareness and psychological support to mothers, and encourage them to make the natural choice in feeding their children.
Raising Breastfeeding Rates
The association seeks to raise breastfeeding rates in the community through training programmes, awareness campaigns, and direct support for mothers, believing that breastfeeding is the cornerstone of a healthier and more emotionally connected society.
The association believes that "Supporting your natural choice" is not just a slogan, but an ongoing commitment to empowering mothers and promoting a culture of natural care that prioritises the health of the child and family.
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Watch Sugar Free Jude Animation Film: Watch Mark's Pressure Animation Film: Merck Foundation also launches awards for the best media, film, fashion designs, and songs on these themes to encourage local artists and young talents to raise awareness about the importance of a healthy lifestyle in their communities, through their everyday work. Merck Foundation believes that training healthcare providers and building professional healthcare capacity is key to ensuring equitable and quality healthcare across Africa. 'I am happy to announce the Call for Applications for our 2025 Scholarships for young doctors with special focus on female doctors. These include one-year diploma and two-year master degree in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties, which includes both On-Site Fellowship and clinical training programs and Online Diploma program s. The applications are invited through the Office of our Ambassadors and long-term partners, The First Ladies of Africa and Ministry of Health of each country,' shared Senator Dr Rasha Kelej. To Apply for In campus Scholarships: Fertility: Oncology: Capacity Advancement: Diabetes : To Apply for Online Scholarships, visit: The selection for each scholarship will be based on request by First Lady Office, Ministry of Health and / or Medical Society with the aim to fill the gaps of public healthcare system in each country. The selection will be based on eligibility criteria fulfillment of each training Institute and Foundation, scholarship availability and fund availability. *Reference: Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation. Images: Contact details: Mehak Handa Community Awareness Program Manager +91 9310087613 / +91 9319606669 Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard! Facebook: X: YouTube: Instagram: Threads: Flickr: Website: About Merck Foundation: The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality&equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare&scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook ( X ( Instagram ( YouTube ( Threads ( and Flickr ( The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.
