Ghana launches first-ever human milk bank

Ghana has taken a historic step in its efforts to improve newborn health outcomes with the launch of the country’s first-ever Human Milk Bank at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) in Accra.

Speaking at the launch, Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, described the initiative as “transformative”, stressing that it represents a major leap forward in the nation's quest to reduce neonatal mortality and secure the future of vulnerable babies.

“This initiative is not just symbolic—it is transformative,” the Health Minister stated.

"Across the world, from Brazil to South Africa, from India to the United Kingdom, over 300 human milk banks are saving lives. Ghana proudly joins this global movement today.”

Mr. Akandoh revealed that over 128,000 babies are born prematurely each year in Ghana, with complications from prematurity remaining a leading cause of neonatal deaths.

These complications account for up to 30% of under-five mortality, most of which occur within the first 28 days of life.

"A significant number of deliveries—up to 15%—lead to admissions in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), often due to prematurity, low birth weight or birth-related complications.

During this critical time, breast milk serves as a lifesaving intervention,” he noted.

The Minister emphasized that breast milk is not just food but medicine—strengthening immunity, protecting against infections, enhancing brain development, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases later in life.

For babies too premature or ill to breastfeed, he said donor human milk is the next best alternative.

The Human Milk Bank, established through a partnership between the University of Ghana and Indiana University in the United States, aligns with government’s broader health agenda, including efforts to scale up NICUs, promote kangaroo mother care, and encourage exclusive breastfeeding.

“Currently, exclusive breastfeeding stands at 43% in Ghana. We need to increase this figure to meet our national health and Sustainable Development Goal targets,” Mr. Akandoh said.

He also announced plans to launch a nationwide public education campaign to promote breast milk donation and raise awareness about the importance of human milk banking.

In commending the efforts of the collaborators, the Minister gave special recognition to Professor Cecilia Obeng, whose patriotism and contributions were key in making the project a reality.

“Your name shall be written in the history book,” he said, pledging that the Ministry will find time and space to honour her efforts formally at a future event.

Mr. Akandoh also thanked the leadership of UGMC, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, and the Indiana University team led by Dr. Divaska, for their roles in establishing the facility.

“This Human Milk Bank is more than a facility—it is a promise. A promise that no child in Ghana will be left behind in their crucial first days of life simply because they cannot access the nourishment they need,” the Minister concluded.

On her part, Professor Cecilia Obeng, the founder and sole sponsor of the Human Milk Bank project, noted that she was inspired to act after researching Ghana’s readiness for a milk bank and receiving no external support to kickstart the initiative.

“No one was willing to fund this vision, so I used my own money to begin,” she revealed at the launch on Thursday.

"We don’t want to see babies less than a year old in caskets. Infant mortality is a huge problem in Ghana, and I knew we had to do something.”

Drawing on lessons from countries like Brazil and Kenya—where milk banks have significantly reduced infant deaths—

Prof. Obeng urged nursing mothers with surplus breast milk to donate.

“Share to save a life,” she said in an emotional appeal.

The facility, now operational at UGMC, is a major stride in Ghana’s neonatal healthcare.

Over 128,000 babies are born prematurely in Ghana each year, and complications from prematurity contribute to nearly 20% of under-five deaths, according to national health data.

The Head of UGMC’s Paediatric Department, Dr. Beatrice Nyann, explained that lactating mothers willing to donate can visit the centre directly.

“However,” she cautioned, “they will undergo a thorough medical examination to ensure they are fit to donate.”

She added that UGMC staff are currently undergoing specialised training in breast milk collection and safe handling, with full distribution of the donated milk expected to begin next month—initially targeting in-house patients and later expanding to other hospitals across the country.

Chief Executive Officer of UGMC, Dr. Abdul-Samed Tanko, reaffirmed the centre’s commitment to innovative care solutions that promote infant health.

“Human milk is uniquely tailored to meet the nutritional needs of newborns,” he said.

“While a mother’s own milk is best, when that is unavailable, pasteurised donor human milk is the recommended alternative according to the World Health Organisation.”

Dr. Tanko acknowledged the dual challenge facing the project: maintaining a steady flow of qualified donors while upholding strict international safety standards.

“This is not just a facility—it is a lifeline,” he said. “We must ensure that every drop of milk given to a baby is safe and beneficial.”

With this initiative, Ghana joins a growing number of countries that recognise the life-saving potential of donor human milk.

The UGMC Human Milk Bank stands as a bold testament to what personal dedication and visionary leadership can achieve in advancing healthcare.

The event brought together health professionals, academia, international partners, and government officials, all celebrating what is seen as a game-changing intervention in maternal and child health care in Ghana.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith