Setting the Foundation for Children’s Health in the First 7,000 Days of Life

Hong Kong, 2 December 2024 – UNICEF HK in collaboration with the Department of Health, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong Private Hospital Association, and Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative Hong Kong Association hosted the Breastfeeding Symposium 2024.

At the symposium Dr Ko Wing Man, Council Member of UNICEF HK, facilitated an insightful panel discussion on the development of baby-friendly hospitals in Hong Kong, sparking thought-provoking dialogues among key stakeholders in the healthcare sector.

Dr Ko emphasized that Hong Kong’s cultural narrative around breastfeeding extends beyond traditional media. Social media plays a significant role in shaping perceptions and influencing breastfeeding practices in the city.

The provisions on breastfeeding discrimination and harassment in The Sex Discrimination (Amendment) Bill 2020 and Discrimination Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Ordinance took effect in June 2021. The amendment is a historic milestone to help foster a breastfeeding-friendly environment in the city.

The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative is a global initiative launched by World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF in 1991, aiming to give all children the best start in life by creating a supportive atmosphere for breastfeeding. Since 2015, UNICEF HK has been dedicated to promoting breastfeeding in Hong Kong by collaborating with the Health Bureau and Department of Health, and launching the "Say Yes To Breastfeeding" campaign. It has successfully cultivated positive attitudes toward breastfeeding and better community support in workplaces and public spaces for mothers to continue breastfeeding. To date, nearly 2,800 workplaces and premises across the city are recognized as "Breastfeeding Friendly”, covering a wide network of over 7,000 corporate members and 63,000 professional members.

Breastfeeding Symposium 2024 gathered local and international experts to address breastfeeding challenges, calling for supports from healthcare sector.

Dr Ko Wing Man, Council Member of UNICEF HK, led an engaging panel discussion on the implementation of BFHI in Hong Kong, fostering discussion among key stakeholders in healthcare sector.