KINGSTON, Jamaica — Percy Junor Hospital in Manchester has attained international recognition as a baby-friendly institution, marking a significant milestone as Jamaica’s twelfth public hospital to receive this prestigious certification. The accreditation comes through the globally recognized Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI), a joint program established by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The BFHI framework acknowledges healthcare facilities that demonstrate excellence in maternal and newborn care while actively championing evidence-based breastfeeding practices. The initiative emphasizes critical interventions proven to enhance infant survival rates and long-term health outcomes, including immediate breastfeeding initiation post-delivery, exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months, and continued breastfeeding with nutritionally appropriate complementary foods for up to two years or beyond.
During Thursday’s accreditation ceremony at the Spalding-based facility, Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton commended the hospital’s leadership and staff for their commitment to elevating care standards. “This achievement reflects our broader strategic vision to reduce infant mortality, improve maternal health outcomes, and strengthen quality standards across Jamaica’s public health network,” Dr. Tufton stated.
The minister highlighted the remarkable progress made since 2016 when only one of Jamaica’s 23 public hospitals held baby-friendly designation. “Today, twelve institutions have achieved this status—representing substantial advancement in our healthcare quality journey. This transformation demonstrates that our medical teams, supported by regional agencies and the Ministry, can deliver world-class infant and maternal care,” he emphasized.
Dr. Tufton issued a compelling challenge to the remaining eleven hospitals, urging them to obtain certification within three to five years. “If twelve facilities can accomplish this, all twenty-three can achieve baby-friendly status. The framework exists, the expertise is available, and the support systems are in place,” he asserted.
Addressing Percy Junor Hospital’s notable 64% decline in births from 2014 to 2025, the minister called for enhanced community outreach. “Our responsibility extends beyond clinical settings into communities where we must promote responsible parenting practices. As trusted healthcare providers, we must leverage our credibility to guide families toward evidence-based child-rearing approaches that optimize children’s development,” Dr. Tufton advised.
Acting Chief Executive Officer Faith Sterling expressed profound satisfaction with the accreditation, describing it as “an absolute elation that signifies both elevated standards and a paradigm shift toward first-class healthcare excellence not just in Jamaica but throughout the Caribbean region.”