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  • 3 months ago
Trinidad and Tobago has exceeded the global breastfeeding target of 80 percent.

Minister of Health Dr. Lackram Bodoe made the announcement during the Ministry's launch of World Breastfeeding Week.

Sharla Kistow reports.
Transcript
00:00World Breastfeeding Week is being observed globally from August 1st to 7th,
00:05and here in Trinidad and Tobago, the Ministry of Health in partnership with PAHO is leading the charge.
00:12This year's theme, Prioritize Breastfeeding, Create Sustainable Support Systems,
00:17highlights the importance of consistent and equitable support for breastfeeding mothers.
00:22Minister of Health Dr. Lachram Boudou says the theme aligns with this country's commitment
00:27to giving every mother and child the best possible start.
00:31He revealed that Trinidad and Tobago's breastfeeding rate now stands at 90%, surpassing the global target of 80%.
00:38Over the past few years, I am proud to say that Trinidad and Tobago has made significant strides
00:45in breastfeeding promotion and support.
00:48Today, four of our hospitals, Point 14, Mount Hope, Sandy Grandy and Scarborough,
00:54are globally accredited under the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative,
00:58but two more on track for assessment soon.
01:01Dr. Boudou stressed that breastfeeding can significantly reduce the risk of chronic health conditions,
01:07such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and other non-communicable diseases.
01:12He also announced the plans to establish Trinidad and Tobago's first human milk bank,
01:19with support from Brazil and technical guidance from PAHO and the World Health Organization.
01:24Once completed, this facility will ensure that every infant in need has access to life-saving human milk,
01:32regardless of circumstance.
01:34There are already over 700 milk banks globally.
01:37Once operational, Trinidad and Tobago will not only benefit locally,
01:43but be positioned to guide other countries in the region seeking to establish their own milk banks.
01:48Dr. Boudou says the initiative supports the government's broader vision of achieving sustainable development goals by 2030,
01:56especially in the health care sector.
01:59He closed by encouraging all women to breastfeed,
02:02emphasizing the long-term health benefits for both mother and child.
02:06Shala Kistu, TV6 News.
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