HCM City (VNA) – A , the largest of its kind in
Vietnam, was inaugurated at Hung Vuong Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City on August
6.
The facility with a total investment capital of 6 billion VND (256,500 USD) is
able to pasteurise 62 litres of milk per day.
This is the second breast milk bank in the South and one of four breast milk
banks operating in . The inauguration of the new facility is expected to
increase chances of survival for premature, low birth weight and pathological
babies.
According to , at present, the infant
mortality rate remains high in Vietnam, accounting for 70-80% of all deaths in
children under 1 year old.
He cited studies showing that among the solutions to reduce infant mortality,
breast milk is the most important. Breast milk not only helps children grow up
quickly and comprehensively, but also strengthens the immune system, especially
in the period when the child’s immune system is not yet complete.
Passive antibodies passed from mother to baby in breast milk will help the baby
fight many infectious diseases in the living environment.
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.
“We hope that many other mothers will know about the breast milk bank and
volunteer to donate milk to help save the lives of other unfortunate children,”
said Hoang Thi Diem Tuyet, Director of ./.
Source: VietnamPlus