09 August 2019 11:42

Training held on the topic "Support and promotion of breastfeeding at the Baby-Friendly Hospital "

The training courses on the topic "Support and promotion of breastfeeding at the Baby - Friendly Hospital" within Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative implemented by the State Agency on Mandatory Health Insurance (Agency) and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) were held on July 23-25 and July 31- August 02, 2019 in Mingachevir City Central Hospital. The aim of the training, organized for doctors and nursing staff of central hospitals of Mingachevir city, Yevlakh and Aghdash districts was primarily of a preparatory nature for implementation of the “Baby - Friendly Hospital” standards in healthcare facilities.

The training program covered a number of topics: promotion of breastfeeding, non-propagation of breast milk substitutes, feeding bottles and pacifiers, enhancing theoretical knowledge and practical skills of healthcare workers about the breastfeeding, particular conditions of infants and concerns with mother’s health. During the training, participants were informed about the importance of breastfeeding both for infants and the mothers and finding particular solutions to infant feeding challenges. As part of Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, it is planned to establish a “Mothers' Club” in the maternity wards of central hospitals of pilot regions. For this purpose, lactation consultant and an Agency’s official visited the pilot regions on August 8, 2019. During their visit, it is planned to establish the “Mother's Club” and to enlighten mothers about the importance of breastfeeding.

Implementation of “Baby- Friendly Hospital” standards in healthcare facilities of pilot regions provides the basic foundation for the protection of mother and child health, application of an approach based on evidence-based medicine, support and promotion of breastfeeding, as well as successful struggle against aggressive marketing of breast milk substitutes, feeding bottles and pacifiers.

A Memorandum of Understanding on mutual cooperation between the Agency and UNICEF signed on January 16, 2019. The Memorandum aims to expand the scope of activities for protection of maternal and child health.