Accra: The Human Milk Bank at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) has made a passionate appeal to lactating mothers with excess breast milk to voluntarily donate and help save the lives of premature and vulnerable babies across the country. Dr. Ophelia Ganyaglo, a paediatrician at the facility, highlighted that donor breast milk has become a lifeline for several newborns whose mothers are unable to breastfeed due to various reasons including death, illness, surgery, or inadequate milk production.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Human Milk Bank, the first of its kind in Ghana, operates similarly to a blood bank but focuses on the collection, screening, pasteurisation, storage, and redistribution of donated breast milk to babies in need. Dr. Ganyaglo explained that the bank was launched in June 2025, with operations officially beginning in November 2025 after thorough staff training, equipment testing, and operational preparations.
Within its first six months of operation, the bank successfully recruited eight donor mothers and served 15 babies, including premature infants at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, and the Suhum Government Hospital. Dr. Ganyaglo noted that while eight donors might seem insufficient, these mothers have contributed approximately 64 litres of breast milk, significantly supporting babies in critical need.
Some of the beneficiary babies had mothers who passed away after childbirth, while others were born prematurely and could not access enough milk from their own mothers. Dr. Ganyaglo emphasized that breast milk remains the best source of nutrition for newborns, especially preterm babies, due to its essential nutrients and immune-protective properties.
The paediatrician assured that strict safety measures are in place to ensure the quality of donated milk, including screening donor mothers for infections such as HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and syphilis. The collected milk is pasteurised and tested in a laboratory to confirm its safety before distribution.
Addressing fears and misconceptions about breast milk donation, Dr. Ganyaglo encouraged the public to embrace the initiative, noting that the concept of wet nursing has existed for generations in Ghana. She explained that the process has now been formalized to ensure safety and scientific accuracy.
Dr. Ganyaglo clarified that breast milk donation at the facility is completely voluntary and not for profit, with donor mothers receiving appreciation tokens such as branded souvenirs and breast pumps instead of cash incentives. She stressed that the initiative aims to prevent mothers from neglecting their own babies for financial gain.
The milk bank faces challenges such as low public awareness and inadequate funding. Dr. Ganyaglo appealed to lactating mothers, corporate organisations, philanthropists, and development partners to support the initiative to ensure its sustainability. She expressed hope for the establishment of more human milk banks across the country to improve neonatal care nationwide.
Breast milk is known to strengthen immunity, foster brain development, protect against infections, and lower the risk of chronic diseases later in life. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends a mother's breast milk as the best option for newborns, and when unavailable, pasteurised donor human milk serves as the best alternative.
Source: Ghana News Agency