Latest news with #BFHI


The Star
26-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
Promoting baby-friendly private hospitals
SEREMBAN: The Health Ministry, through the National Lactation Centre, has launched the Madani private hospital Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) 2025 to promote breastfeeding and reduce the prevalence of diet-related non-communicable diseases. Its deputy minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang said partnership between the public and private sectors to implement the initiative and support nursing mothers with confidence and respect was a shared responsibility. 'The core objectives of this tour, which is in line with the National Nutrition Policy, include expanding BFHI promotion, ensuring more private hospitals join the movement of nursing mothers, strengthening community support so that nursing mothers do not feel isolated and can confidently nurse their children,' he said at the launch of the initiative here yesterday, Bernama reported. Such inclusive efforts would ensure the health of both mother and child, and allow more Malaysians to support breastfeeding, he said, adding that 31 private hospitals are participating in the initiative. 'Currently, 31 out of 180 private hospitals have been accredited as BFHI. Congratulations to 20 KPJ Healthcare hospitals for being the hospital consortium with the most accredited hospitals,' he said. Lukanisman said there are 15 hospitals being in the final stage of training by the National Lactation Centre together with the state Health Department to receive BFHI accreditation while 65 hospitals are in the process of initial training.


The Sun
25-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Madani BFHI tour promotes breastfeeding in Malaysia
SEREMBAN: The Health Ministry has introduced the Madani Private Hospital Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) 2025 to encourage breastfeeding and lower the prevalence of diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang emphasized the importance of public-private collaboration in supporting nursing mothers. 'The core objectives of this tour align with the National Nutrition Policy, aiming to expand BFHI promotion, engage more private hospitals, and strengthen community support for nursing mothers,' he said during the launch. Currently, 31 out of 180 private hospitals have received BFHI accreditation, with KPJ Healthcare leading as the largest accredited consortium. The initiative includes hospital visits across Malaysia, such as Sri Kota Specialist Medical Centre and KPJ Klang Specialist Hospital in August, followed by others in September. Lukanisman highlighted that exclusive breastfeeding provides a natural, pollutant-free diet, promoting sustainable public health and reducing reliance on commercial baby food. 'Fifteen hospitals are in the final training stage for accreditation, while 65 are undergoing initial training,' he added. BFHI, a global effort by WHO and UNICEF since 1991, focuses on protecting and promoting breastfeeding. - Bernamapix

Barnama
25-07-2025
- Health
- Barnama
MADANI BFHI Tour To Promote Breastfeeding, Reduce Prevalence Of Diet-Related NCDs
SEREMBAN, July 25 (Bernama) -- The Health Ministry (MOH) through the National Lactation Centre, has launched the MADANI Private Hospital Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) 2025 to promote breastfeeding and reduce the prevalence of diet-related non-communicable diseases. Its deputy minister, Datuk Lukanisman Awang said partnership between the public and private sectors to implement BFHI and support nursing mothers with confidence and respect was a shared responsibility. 'The core objectives of this tour, which is in line with the National Nutrition Policy, include expanding BFHI promotion, ensuring more private hospitals join the movement of nursing mothers, strengthening community support so that nursing mothers do not feel isolated and can confidently nurse their children,' he said at the launch of the initiative here today. Such inclusive efforts would ensure the health of both mother and child, and allow more Malaysians to support breastfeeding, he said, adding that 31 private hospitals are participating in the initiative. 'Nursing exclusively contributes to a natural diet that's safe, pollutant-free, and supports sustainable public health and reduces dependence on industry-based baby food products that stress the environment. Currently, 31 out of 180 private hospitals have been accredited as BFHI… congratulations to 20 KPJ Healthcare hospitals for being the hospital consortium with the most accredited hospitals,' he said. The hospitals that will be visited during the tour include Sri Kota Specialist Medical Centre and KPJ Klang Specialist Hospital (Aug 1); Assunta Hospital and Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (Aug 19); KPJ Kuching Specialist Hospital (Aug 29); Pusrawi Kuala Lumpur Specialist Hospital, KPJ Tawakkal and KPJ Sentosa KL (Sept 2); Penang Adventist Hospital, Lam Wah Ee and KPJ Penang (Sept 13); KPJ Sabah (Sept 18), KPJ Pasir Gudang and Johor Specialist (Sept 22–23). Lukanisman said there were 15 hospitals being in the final stage of training by the National Lactation Centre together with the state health department to receive BFHI accredition while 65 hospitals are being in the process of initial training. BFHI is a global initiative under the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations' Children's Fund (UNICEF) that began in 1991 with the goal of protecting, supporting and promoting breastfeeding.


Time of India
11-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Post-natal gaps in C-section deliveries leading to breastfeeding challenges for women, say experts
Lucknow: Neha Singh (name changed), 25, from Unnao, underwent a cesarean delivery at a private hospital but couldn't breastfeed her newborn son. Despite multiple attempts on the first day, the baby failed to latch properly. Doctors advised formula milk, which led to constipation in the infant and anxiety for the new mother. The next day, Neha's family took her to a private medical college, where doctors explained that the delayed initiation of breastfeeding had disrupted the baby's natural latching instinct, affecting her milk production. With proper counselling and lactation training, Neha was able to begin breastfeeding within two days. "I had no idea that timing and guidance were so important. I wish someone had explained this to me earlier," she said. Neha's experience is not uncommon in new mothers. Doctors at govt and private teaching hospitals in the city say many women who deliver via C-section in private hospitals struggle to breastfeed. The issue, they emphasise, often lies not with the surgery, but with poor postnatal care and hospital practices. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Hospitals like King George's Medical University (KGMU), Era's Medical College, and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences (RMLIMS) report seeing 10–12 such cases every month. In most instances, mothers delivered at other hospitals and approached these centres only after facing problems such as poor milk supply, failure to latch, or early dependence on formula feeding. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), the rate of cesarean deliveries in Uttar Pradesh more than doubled—from 9.4% in 2015–16 to 21.5% in 2019–21—with most procedures taking place in private hospitals. While many mothers report breastfeeding difficulties after C-sections, doctors insist the underlying problem is how newborns are handled immediately after birth. "Cesarean surgery itself doesn't hamper breastfeeding," said dean of Era Medical College and senior paediatrician, Prof MM Faridi. "The real problem is that in many hospitals, babies are separated from their mothers for long hours and are bottle-fed. This leads to nipple confusion, which makes breastfeeding much harder," he added. Early skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding within the first hour of birth are crucial. The baby's suckling stimulates maternal hormones—prolactin and oxytocin—essential for milk production. However, many hospitals skip these steps. The absence of trained nurses and lactation consultants only worsens the problem. Prof Faridi advocates for mandatory lactation training and strict implementation of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI), which recommends keeping mother and baby together to encourage early breastfeeding. At KGMU, Prof Amita Pandey said, "In most C-section cases, we start breastfeeding even during surgery. Although mothers can take only oral fluids in the first 12 hours, milk production begins almost as it does in normal deliveries." Prof Smriti Agrawal of Queen Mary's Hospital stressed the importance of initiating breastfeeding within the first hour.


Hi Dubai
21-03-2025
- Health
- Hi Dubai
Latifa Hospital Earns WHO and UNICEF Accreditation as Baby-Friendly Hospital
Dubai Health's Latifa Hospital has been accredited by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) under the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI), marking a significant milestone in maternal and newborn care. The accreditation highlights the hospital's adherence to global standards in safe childbirth, breastfeeding promotion, and maternal health support through specialised services and awareness programmes. Dr. Muna Tahlak, Chief Medical Officer at Dubai Health, stated, 'Latifa Hospital's recognition under the BFHI reflects our unwavering commitment to maternal and newborn care. By adopting best practices, we ensure a safe, supportive environment for mothers and their families.' She also expressed gratitude to the hospital's medical and administrative teams for their dedication to patient care. Latifa Hospital provides comprehensive antenatal care, including psychological support and nutritional guidance. Its advanced labor and delivery units ensure a comfortable birthing experience, while specialised neonatal intensive care units (NICU) offer critical care for newborns. The hospital also conducts educational workshops to support postnatal care and infant health. Beyond medical services, Latifa Hospital fosters a childbirth-friendly environment by reducing unnecessary interventions and prioritising mother-child bonding. Its breastfeeding support programmes further reinforce the importance of early maternal and newborn health. This achievement reinforces Dubai Health's mission to enhance healthcare services, aligning with Dubai's vision for a healthier and more resilient community. News Source: Emirates News Agency