Panama struggles with exclusive breastfeeding, aims to boost rates

Panama faces a significant challenge in promoting exclusive breastfeeding, with only 28% of mothers achieving this for the first six months of their babies' lives. Health authorities launched World Breastfeeding Week, observed August 1-7, under the theme "Breastfeeding: A Sustainable Start in Any Circumstance. Let's Strengthen Actions That Work." The campaign aims to underscore the importance of exclusive breastfeeding as the safest and most natural way to nourish newborns.

Dr. Paul Gallardo, medical director of the Hospital del Niño Dr. José Renán Esquivel, stated that increasing the breastfeeding rate would substantially reduce respiratory and gastrointestinal infections in children and lower infant mortality. He also stressed the need for more lactation rooms in workplaces and supportive conditions for mothers to continue breastfeeding or express milk during their work hours.

The Pasteurised Human Milk Bank at the Hospital del Niño currently has 84 donor mothers and a home collection system to ensure quality and safety. Health Minister Fernando Boyd Galindo highlighted that breast milk provides essential nutrients and strengthens the immune system. "Breastfeeding not only strengthens the bond between mother and baby but represents the best investment for child health as a complete, safe, and accessible food," he said.

Panama operates human milk banks in several hospitals, with plans to establish new ones in central provinces with support from the First Lady's Office. These facilities adhere to strict biosecurity and quality control standards to provide milk to premature, low-weight, or medically vulnerable newborns. Authorities urged pregnant and lactating mothers to attend regular check-ups and maintain vaccinations, promoting exclusive breastfeeding as a vital practice.

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Breastfeeding not only strengthens the bond between mother and baby but represents the best investment for child health as a complete, safe, and accessible food.