Kingston, Jamaica, 20 June 2025 (PAHO/WHO) - In a major boost for maternal and child health, four more hospitals in Jamaica have been officially designated as Baby-Friendly, joining a growing list of facilities committed to supporting breastfeeding and newborn care. Recognized for meeting the standards of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI), Bustamante Hospital for Children, Noel Holmes Hospital, Port Antonio Hospital, and Spanish Town Hospital were honoured during a ceremony held on 17 June 2025. The BFHI efforts are being implemented by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) and UNICEF.
This latest achievement brings the total number of Baby-Friendly hospitals in Jamaica to eleven, reflecting steady national progress in creating supportive environments for breastfeeding and newborn care. The designations also signal Jamaica’s commitment to helping mothers, babies, and indeed families thrive during the critical first days of life by aligning maternity care with international best practices.
Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, commended the dedication of health workers and institutional partners whose efforts led to this milestone. He pointed to recent progress pertaining to the maternal mortality ratio, down from 211.3 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2021 to a preliminary figure of 133 in 2024, as evidence that the government’s Maternal and Neonatal Health Programme is delivering results. “For three consecutive years, maternal deaths have declined. It is a clear indication that our strengthened governance and targeted interventions are saving lives,” he said.
PAHO/WHO Representative to Jamaica, Bermuda, and the Cayman Islands, Mr. Ian Stein, echoed the Minister’s praise and emphasized the importance of long-term collaboration. “This certification is not the result of a one-off initiative, but the outcome of persistent, system-wide efforts to embed breastfeeding support into routine care,” he said. “Sustaining this level of care is essential to strengthening Jamaica’s health system, as it ensures that the principles of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative become part of everyday practice, supporting breastfeeding, promoting maternal and child health, and delivering long-term benefits for families, communities, and the nation as a whole.”
UNICEF Deputy Representative Officer-in-Charge, Ms. Donneth Edmonds, offered her congratulations to the newly accredited hospitals while underscoring that the work does not end with certification. “There is still important work ahead to maintain the high standards you’ve achieved,” she said. “I encourage you to lead by example and continue inspiring other facilities working toward Baby-Friendly status. Together, we can ensure that every hospital, clinic, and community becomes a space where breastfeeding is supported and promoted.”
Launched more than three decades ago by WHO and UNICEF, the BFHI aims to ensure that every facility offering maternity services provides the highest standard of care for breastfeeding and newborn support. The initiative has played a vital role globally in reducing infant mortality, empowering mothers, and strengthening health systems - goals that Jamaica continues to advance through its ongoing efforts.
