The Department of Health has accredited the Ospital ng Paranaque in its list of Mother-Baby Friendly Hospitals, becoming the 26th hospital in the country to be awarded by the program.
The Mother-Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative is a program of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) being implemented by the DOH which encourages hospitals to promote breastfeeding, especially during the first six months of birth.
The project aims to increase the numbers of babies who are exclusively breastfed worldwide, a goal which the WHO estimates could contribute to avoiding over a million child deaths each year.
Various research studies have confirmed that breastfeeding helps enhance an infant’s intelligence and provides protection from allergies, infections and illnesses.
The 120-bed and six-story hospital, situated along Quirino Avenue in Barangay La Huerta, is considered one of the most modern public hospitals in Metro Manila and is one of the priority projects of Mayor Edwin Olivarez.