The San Fernando General and Teaching Hospital has achieved a significant milestone by receiving the coveted Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative accreditation from the Pan American Health Organization and World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO). This designation makes the South West Regional Health Authority’s flagship institution the first regional health authority to have all its major facilities certified under the international program.
The accreditation ceremony on January 13 featured PAHO/WHO Representative Dr. Gabriel Vivas Francesconi and Health Minister Dr. Lackram Bodoe, who unveiled a commemorative plaque at the facility. The hospital joins other recently accredited institutions including Point Fortin Hospital, Mt Hope Women’s Hospital, Sangre Grande, and Scarborough Hospital, with plans underway to extend the accreditation to Port of Spain General Hospital in the near future.
The WHO/UNICEF initiative establishes rigorous standards for optimal infant feeding practices and mother-baby bonding in maternity facilities. The program aims to protect and promote breastfeeding by transforming hospital protocols to support successful breastfeeding while shielding families from commercial influences.
SWRHA Deputy Chairperson Natasha Moonilal emphasized the transformative nature of the accreditation, noting that the hospital underwent comprehensive changes in care delivery and staff training over recent months. ‘This represents a transformation at every level,’ Moonilal stated. ‘Our medical teams have fully embraced the ten steps to successful breastfeeding, ensuring immediate skin-to-skin contact after birth, early initiation of breastfeeding, and continuous support throughout the mother’s stay.’
Dr. Vivas Francesconi highlighted the need for concerted efforts to discourage milk substitutes, advocating for national legislation to protect against aggressive marketing by formula manufacturers. While acknowledging there is a role for milk substitutes in certain circumstances, Health Minister Bodoe confirmed the ministry is developing regulations for the industry, including front-of-package labeling requirements.
The accreditation coincides with recent government reforms expanding parental protections, including paid breastfeeding breaks and strengthened workplace safeguards against discrimination—measures Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar promoted while encouraging young couples to consider parenthood.