By” Chilis Suzan Zukwa” Limpopo’s human milk bank is making waves globally for its life-saving work in providing donated breast milk to preterm babies. The bank, located at Mankweng Hospital, is one of two in the Limpopo Province and has been instrumental in reducing infant mortality rates. Donated breast milk is a game-changer for preterm babies, offering essential nutrients and antibodies that help prevent conditions like necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and sepsis.
The milk bank collects, screens, processes, and distributes donated human breast milk to babies in need. Mothers who lactate well, are free from sexually transmitted infections, and have no chronic diseases can donate. The initiative has been praised for its impact on infant health, with studies showing improved survival rates and cognitive development in preterm babies fed donated breast milk.
This recognition is a testament to the dedication of healthcare workers and donors involved in the program.
