The City Government of Malabon officially launched Wednesday the first Human Milk Bank in the Camanava area.
Malabon City Mayor Lenlen Oreta led the inauguration of the facility, located at Ospital ng Malabon, which aims to give free breast milk to infants, especially those with medical conditions.
“Human milk is indeed life-saving,” said Oreta, a known health and nutrition advocate. “We hope our milk bank helps many, and ensure children have access to human milk, whatever their standing in life.”
Dr. Mitzi Tanchoco, medical director of OSMAL, said the facility will collect, sterilize, test and store safely the human milk that has been donated by breastfeeding mothers and provide it to infants in need.
The Human Milk Bank, which includes a pasteurization machine, human milk analyzer, peristaltic pump and freezer, was established with the help of the Rotary International.
Malabon Councilor Enzo Oreta noted that the establishment of the Human Milk Bank boosts the city’s implementation of its “First 1,000 Days of Life” Ordinance, which provides care and nutrition to mothers and children at the most critical time of their development.
Meanwhile, a Kiddie Corner which will provide therapy for children confined at OSMAL was also opened on Wednesday. The materials, toys, and books included were donated by St. James Academy, High School Batch 1969, in cooperation with Awesome Gratitude Foundation, Inc.