Mallex Shipanga
The Namibia Breast Milk Bank (NBMB) is in need of breast milk donors in Windhoek.
Paediatrician, Gerald Morkel explained that the donations support babies who do not have access to their mother’s milk, especially those weighing 1.5 kg or less, who may need supplemental feeding.
“Breast milk donations save babies’ lives by providing essential nutrition and immune protection that is crucial for their development, especially for premature or sick infants. By receiving donor breast milk, these infants have a better chance of survival, reduced complications, and healthier growth outcomes, ultimately leading to a significant decrease in infant mortality rates,” said Morkel.
She said that the donations are particularly helpful for premature babies, low-birth-weight babies, or babies whose mothers are unable to breastfeed due to medical conditions or other circumstances.
According to Morkel, the donation recipients include babies that are hospitalised in both state and private hospitals in Windhoek.
“The recipients of breast milk donations primarily include premature infants, low-birth-weight babies, and infants who are hospitalised in Windhoek,” said Morkel.
Morkel explained that donors will not be financially compensated.
“The donors will not be financially compensated; that is why it is called a donation. Breast milk donation is a voluntary act of kindness aimed at helping those in need,” Morkel said.
The NBMB was inaugurated in August 2019, but it has been operational since April 2018.
