Seychelles Hospital celebrates ‘Baby Friendly’ accreditation |07 August 2015

As part of activities to commemorate Breastfeeding Week which is celebrated annually from August 1 to 7, the Seychelles Hospital yesterday unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the accreditation earlier this year of the Seychelles Hospital as being ‘Baby-Friendly’.

This year Breastfeeding Week is being commemorated under the theme ‘Breastfeeding and work let’s make it work’.

It was Health Minister Mitcy Larue and the World Health Organisation (WHO) liaison officer, Dr Cornelia Atsyor who unveiled the plaque which is located outside the maternity post-natal ward.

The plaque has the local Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) logo as well as a Picasso portrait representing the International Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative.

Addressing guests present for the occasion who included key health officials and staff,  Minister Larue said the accreditation is an important and significant milestone in maternal and child health care in Seychelles.

“For the first time in this country’s history, the Seychelles Hospital gets to celebrate such an important achievement and be designated as Baby friendly,” Minister Larue said.

“What a better occasion to celebrate this accomplishment than during World Breastfeeding Week.  As we hear repeatedly and will not cease from emphasising, breastfeeding is and remains the best source of nutrition which supports optimal growth, development and health of infants, particularly exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life,” Minister Larue stressed. 

The process for Seychelles to become ‘Baby-friendly’ started many years ago. However efforts were amplified in 2008 when a group of health professionals were trained in BFHI. On  April 22, this year, the Seychelles Hospital was accredited as a ‘Baby-Friendly’ hospital following external assessment by an international consultant from the WHO.

In order to undergo the accreditation process, a group of 10 national assessors were trained to help the consultant and to carry out reassessment every three years.

During yesterday’s ceremony they were presented with their certificates.