For infants unable to receive breastmilk from their mothers, human milk banks (HMBs) serve a vital role. Since 2017, with assistance from A&T and support from Irish Aid, Tu Du Hospital has been working to establish the country’s second HMB.

In Myanmar, about half of all deaths among children under five occur during the first 28 days of life, and the majority of neonatal deaths are from preventable causes.

In Myanmar, the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding among infants under six months of age has increased substantially, according to data from the 2009–2010 Myanmar Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) and the 2015–2016 Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey (MDHS).

A&T is leveraging its robust network and knowledge base to strengthen MIYCN systems and build capacity in these and other countries within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Human milk bank (HMB) services are an essential component of a breastfeeding-friendly health system. HMB services give at-risk infants, such as those born pre-term or low birthweight, access to the multiple benefits of breastmilk when they need it most.

As A&T enters its second decade in Ethiopia, it continues to apply knowledge and learning from previous direct implementation activities, while providing a range of technical assistance to Ethiopia’s government and partners.