Breastfeeding is vital for child survival and development, and contributes to the socioeconomic growth of families, communities, and nations.

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.

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.

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.

The first six months of life are critical for child health and development. Breastmilk provides all the nutrients infants need during this period, supporting brain development and reducing the risk of infection and malnutrition.