The City Health Office and the Department of Health (DOH-9) initiate the conduct of Breastfeeding Summit, culminating the celebration of National Breastfeeding Awareness Month Celebration in Zamboanga City, Tuesday, August 27 at the Grand Astoria Hotel.

Themed “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All”, the event was attended by city health personnel in the city with the aim of equipping participants with knowledge on policy and standards in effective implementation of Mother Baby Friendly Health Facility Initiative (MBFHFI).

Key topics discussed during the summit included Food Security during Emergency and Disaster, Empowering Nutrition Implementers on Healthy Diet and Breastfeeding Support for All, and an emphasis on the First 1,000 Days (F1K) of Life and Salient Features of the RA 11148, also known as the “Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act,” which
focuses on maternal and child health.

Highlight of the event was the recognition of health care facilities with the Highest Breast Milk Galloner and achieved excellence in promoting and supporting breastfeeding.

The awardees include Erlinda Marquez, Midwife II of San Roque, Milabelle Nono, Midwife II of Pasonanca, and Fe St. Alvarez, Midwife III of Tulungatung.

Present during the event were City Health Officer Dr. Dulce Amor Miravite, NNC IX Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Nimfa Ekong, DOH-CHD IX LHSD Chief and ZCMC Head-HMB Dr. Jeffrey Cesar

Masilungan, DOH-CHD IX Regional Nutrition Coordinator Chrystal Jean Dela Cerna, and various others.

The event underscored the city’s commitment to advancing maternal and child health through robust breastfeeding support initiatives, aligning with national efforts to close gaps in health services and promote nutrition awareness. (Bernadeth Lazaro) (photo credits: Miljohn Mancao)