MTRH Celebrates World Breastfeeding Week

Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) today 7th August 2024 marked the World Breastfeeding Day to demonstrate importance of providing children with a healthy start to life, a stage that is critical for child health, nutritional growth and development.

The event ,organized by Nutrition & Dietetics Department, brought together a panel of experts to discuss the importance of breastfeeding.

Dr. Owen Menach, Ag. Senior Director Clinical Services representing the Chief Executive Officer pointed out the milestone MTRH has achieved in becoming ‘baby and mother-friendly hospital’, fully compliant with all relevant Policies and Acts.

“We have a dedicated lactation room in the Hospital and flexible work schedules to support breastfeeding mothers,” Dr. Menach added.

The celebration was marked under the theme: “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding support for all.”

Dr. Wycliffe Kosgei, the Director of Reproductive Health at MTRH encouraged exclusive breastfeeding saying, it not only provides essential nutrients for babies, but also reduces the risk of postpartum depression, breast and ovarian cancer in mothers.

Dr. Eric Ngetich, the Ag. Director Child Health and Peadiatrics, said exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of a baby’s life is crucial for their development and wellbeing.

In Kenya, the breastfeeding rights are enshrined in the Constitution under article 53 (1c) which gives every child the right to basic nutrition, shelter and health care, Article 43 (1c) on economic and social rights provides for freedom from hunger and the need for adequate food of acceptable quality and operationalized by The Health Act no.21 of 2017.

There are also workplace policies and labour laws that protect and promote breastfeeding. Maternity and paternity leave, breastfeeding breaks are some of the examples.

Other speakers who included: Dr. Benjamin Tarus, Senior Director Finance and Administration; Dr. Kipyegon Maina, Director Pharmacy and Nutrition; Ann Chemworsio, Director Human Resource Management and Development; Mr. Evans Kosgei, Deputy Manager Nutrition, Dr. Caroline Sawe from Moi University’s Department of Health Policy and Breastfeeding Champions all reinforced the importance of breastfeeding and highlighted the Hospital’s commitment to promoting it.

The celebrations was characterized by testimonials, visits and health education sessions to the mothers at MTRH Lactation room, Shoe4Africa Children’s Hospital and Riley Mother and Baby Hospital.