International Islamic University Malaysia, Malaysia

Nourishing futures: Malaysia's first human milk bank initiative

In response to the critical issue of infant mortality and the paramount importance of breast milk in infant wellbeing, our project pioneers the establishment of Malaysia's first human milk bank. Recognized as "liquid gold," breast milk significantly enhances infant survival rates when breastfeeding is initiated early and adhered to exclusively, directly addressing Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, particularly target 3.2 which aims to end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age. Accredited under the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) by the Ministry of Health Malaysia, our initiative, the Halimatusaadia Mothers Milk Centre (HMMC), operates within SASMEC@IIUM, our teaching hospital.

Beyond establishing the milk bank, we aim to understand local perceptions on breastfeeding practices, milk sharing, and the necessity of milk banks in Malaysia. Through activities like breastfeeding seminars and train-the-trainer sessions, we prioritize community engagement and information exchange among healthcare providers, lactation counsellors, and community members. Collaborating with governmental agencies and NGOs, we forge strong bonds within the community, amplifying our impact in promoting infant wellbeing through breastfeeding advocacy.

Top 3 Learnings

1. We empower communities to prioritize exclusive breastfeeding, ensuring infants' needs are met.
2. Lactation counsellors provide vital support and guidance to peer groups.
3. Our group inspires broader community engagement in breastfeeding initiatives.