Kenyan Breastmilk Bank: Essential Resource for Preterm Infants
In the heart of Nairobi, Kenya, the Pumwani Maternity Hospital is making a significant difference in the lives of premature babies. Esther Wanjiru, a 22-year-old mother, recently donated breastmilk during a visit by the AFP, following counselling and tests for diseases, including HIV and hepatitis.
Mothers who give birth prematurely often struggle to produce breastmilk, and as a result, must rely on formula. However, underweight babies face a daunting array of risks, and breastmilk can help them grow faster. This is where the milk bank at Pumwani Maternity Hospital comes into play, allowing premature babies to benefit from donated breastmilk.
The milk bank, established in 2019 with the support of British aid money and PATH, an NGO, has been a lifeline for many premature infants. Approximately 134,000 premature babies are born in Kenya each year, and the demand for breastmilk is high.
However, the hospital team would love to help mothers in the community, but they currently cannot due to a lack of equipment and infrastructure. The equipment used in the milk bank is expensive, and some of it can only be found in Europe or the US, making it difficult for the hospital to procure.
The high cost of equipment is a significant challenge, as breastmilk is a much cheaper option than formula. The CEO of the hospital, Christine Kiteshuo, expressed frustration that they only have enough equipment to provide milk to hospitalized children and occasional donations to two other hospitals.
Despite these challenges, the breastmilk bank at Pumwani Maternity Hospital is one of the few in sub-Saharan Africa. Muthoni Ogola, a Kenyan medical professional, plays a key role in the Human Milk Bank program at the hospital, focusing on improving infant nutrition and health.
Wanjiru, the donor, stated that donating breastmilk felt good and sort of like a massage. Margaret Adhiambo, a 28-year-old mother, was able to feed her premature baby Grace-Ella with donated breastmilk from the bank.
The World Health Organization states that fewer than half of all infants worldwide are exclusively breastfed. The milk bank at Pumwani Maternity Hospital is a shining example of the positive impact that can be made when resources are available to support this vital practice.
