Vietnam's largest human milk bank opens in HCMC

At the inauguration of the milk bank, Ms. Hoang Thi Diem Tuyet, Director of Hung Vuong Hospital affirmed that, breastfeeding is the best way to provide infants with the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development, and it strengthens their immune system.

According to research, pasteurized breast milk is used as a temporary substitute for natural breast milk to reduce the risk of late neonatal infection by 19 percent in vulnerable and low birth weight infants within the first 28 days of life.

The idea of setting up a milk bank is part of efforts to reduce infant mortality, which remains high in Vietnam, doctor Tuyet said.

This is the second breast milk bank in the South and one of four breast milk banks operating in Vietnam. The inauguration of the new facility is expected to increase chances of survival for premature, low birth weight and pathological babies.

Every year, the Neonatal Department of Hung Vuong Hospital takes care of thousands of premature, low birth weight and pathological babies mostly based on formula milk as there is no donated or stored breast milk.

The establishment of the breast milk bank is highly appreciated providing milk to these unfortunate children. So far 17 mothers have donated 235 litres of raw milk to the bank.

The inauguration of the milk bank is one of several activities to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week, a global campaign held annually from August 1 to 7 to promote breastfeeding and improve infant health.