The Hong Kong Breast Milk Bank (HKBMB) is set to commence operations on January 6, 2025, aiming to collect 1,000 liters of breast milk annually to support 450 to 600 premature and sick newborns, the Hospital Authority (HA) announced on Tuesday.
The HA stated that the HKBMB will initially focus on recruiting donors and accepting breast milk donations, before providing the precious liquid to newborns in need starting in March.
Eligible donors must be currently lactating, with babies under one year old. After registration, they will undergo face-to-face interviews, assessment questionnaires, and blood tests to ensure the safety and quality of their donations.
“Breast milk is the best food for babies, providing nourishment and multiple health benefits,” said Rosanna Wong Ming-sum, Director of HKBMB. “However, some mothers of extremely premature or critically ill newborns are unable to breastfeed for various reasons, so we urge eligible mothers who are currently breastfeeding to generously donate their milk, allowing these babies to receive adequate nutrition.”
The HKBMB will arrange for qualified couriers to collect breast milk from eligible donors for further processing, which includes pasteurization, microbiological testing, and nutritional analysis. The processed breast milk will then be supplied to nine public hospitals across Hong Kong.
Mothers interested in becoming donors can apply through the HKBMB official website, by phone, or by contacting the lactation clinic at HA hospitals. The launch of this vital service is set to make a significant difference in the lives of premature and sick newborns in Hong Kong.