Zulekha Hospital in Sharjah earns prestigious baby-friendly accreditation again

UAE – Zulekha Hospital in Sharjah has once again achieved the prestigious Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) accreditation, reaffirming its dedication to high maternal and child healthcare standards.

This recognition, awarded by UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO), highlights the hospital’s ongoing efforts to promote breastfeeding and support maternal well-being.

Initially accredited in 2019 as the first private hospital in Sharjah to receive this honour, Zulekha Hospital remains at the forefront of breastfeeding advocacy.

Established in 1991, the BFHI is a global initiative by WHO and UNICEF to encourage healthcare facilities to adopt practices that protect and support breastfeeding.

To qualify for accreditation, hospitals must demonstrate compliance with key standards, including adherence to international and national guidelines on marketing breast-milk substitutes.

They must also implement the “Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding,” which involve staff training, antenatal breastfeeding education, and ongoing lactation support for mothers.

Aligned with Sharjah’s Child-Friendly City project, Zulekha Hospital actively promotes breastfeeding awareness under the visionary leadership of Founder and Chairperson Dr Zulekha Daud.

The hospital offers round-the-clock lactation support through a team of certified consultants and staff who have undergone a rigorous 90-hour International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) training program.

Additionally, the hospital collaborates with the Breastfeeding Friends Society to organize educational activities for staff, families, and community partners, further spreading awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding.

The hospital’s commitment to education extends beyond clinical teams. Comprehensive breastfeeding training is provided to staff across all departments, including housekeeping, kitchen, and front office personnel.

Maternity staff receive over 22 hours of specialized training to support mothers and newborns better.

Free antenatal classes, available in the Gynecology clinics, equip expectant mothers with practical breastfeeding knowledge guided by WHO recommendations.

Zanubia Shams, Co-Chairperson of Zulekha Healthcare Group, emphasized the importance of the BFHI accreditation, stating that it empowers families and ensures every newborn has the best start in life.

She praised the hospital’s dedicated team for their tireless efforts in upholding exceptional care standards for mothers and infants.

Breast milk plays a crucial role in a child’s development, offering essential nutrients and strengthening immunity.

For mothers, breastfeeding provides significant health benefits, aiding in weight management and reducing the risk of certain long-term illnesses.

Through its comprehensive approach, Zulekha Hospital continues to lead the way in maternal and child healthcare, making breastfeeding education and support accessible to all.

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