American Mission Hospital Hosts Breastfeeding Forum 2025 in Collaboration with Ministry of Health

The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with King Hamad American Mission Hospital, held the Breastfeeding Forum 2025, aimed at unifying efforts to promote and support breastfeeding as part of the national commitment to the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative. The forum brought together key stakeholders from the health sector to highlight the importance of breastfeeding in improving health outcomes for both mothers and infants. In her remarks, Dr. Samia Ali Baharom, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health and Chairperson of the Equal Opportunities Committee at the Ministry of Health, emphasized the ministry’s continued commitment to raising awareness about the vital role of breastfeeding. "Through joint and intensified efforts, we aim to ensure better health for both mother and child," she said, while also highlighting the Equal Opportunities Committee's contributions to maternal and child health advancement within the Ministry. The Ministry of Health also reviewed key milestones in Bahrain’s national breastfeeding strategy and its pivotal role in disease prevention from early life stages. The forum reinforced the importance of ongoing collaboration with stakeholders and highlighted successful initiatives that promote the culture that breast milk is the optimal nutrition for infants. Dr. George Cheriyan, Chief Executive Officer of King Hamad American Mission Hospital, affirmed the hospital’s commitment to working closely with the Ministry of Health. “Strengthening this active partnership is essential to advancing breastfeeding goals and supporting the health of mothers and children,” he stated. The forum also featured presentations of international best practices in applying the standards of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative. Discussions included mechanisms and procedures for implementing the initiative effectively across Bahrain’s healthcare facilities. This forum forms part of Bahrain’s ongoing efforts to achieve sustainable health development and improve maternal and child healthcare outcomes, in alignment with the Kingdom’s national health strategies and global best practices.