Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton has warned that hospitals that fail to adhere to World Health Organization (WHO) infant health stipulations, will lose their Baby Friendly designation.

The health minister gave the warning at yesterday’s national certification ceremony for the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI).

Four more hospitals in the public health system received the designation yesterday.

Dr. Tufton urged hospital staff to ensure that best practices are followed and become the standard.

The national Baby-Friendly certification ceremony is part of the national strategy to promote, protect and support breastfeeding in line with global recommendations and national health policies.

The WHO and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) launched the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative to promote, protect and support breastfeeding by ensuring health facilities provide optimal care for mothers and newborns.