PGH-ARCSEA MILK BANK SET TO OPEN IN 2006 (archived Nov. 2007)

ARCSEA is currently laying the ground work for the setting up of a HUMAN MILK BANK at the Philippine General Hospital with the help of the Section of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics.

The project, supported by the ARCI Toscana and Toscana Regione Italy, aims to sustain the benefits of breast milk nutrition for infants at the Neo-natal Intensive care Unit (NICU). These are new born babies who are too weak or sick to go home with their mothers after birth. While they are still under observation or treatment at the PGH-NICU, they will be provided with breast milk donated to the Milk Bank.

These babies will receive the benefits of breast milk such as enhancement of the immune system through natural anti-bodies and proper physical and mental development, and consequently avoid the risks caused by artificial milk substitutes.

Mothers from the different barangays in Pandacan, Manila, who have been beneficiaries of the 2004-2005 lactation support education sessions under the Strengthening Lactation Support Program supported by Canada Fund, are target donors of breast milk for the Milk Bank. Women organized by GABRIELA-Manila in other areas in Pandacan are also set to participate in the next series of Breastfeeding education sessions and will also be tapped as regular breast milk donors for the Milk Bank. Non-monetary benefits will be given to the mother-donors.