World Vision donates refrigerator to Ministry of Health in support of Exclusive Breastfeeding

World Vision Kenya has today donated a two-door refrigerator worth 60,000 Kenya Shillings to the Ministry of Health, Family Health Division to support lactating mothers to exclusively breastfeed their children up to six months.

World Vision Kenya Associate Director Strategy and Program Effectiveness, Lydia Mukaye (R) presented the refrigerator to Ministry of Health, Head of Nutrition and Dietetics unit, Gladys Mugambi (L).

Mugambi thanked World Vision for the gesture, stating the refrigerator will serve over 50 women in the Family Health Division.

She added that the Breastfeeding Mother’s Bill, 2017 is currently in Parliament and will compel employers in Kenya to provide a conducive environment for mothers to express breastmilk and store it appropriately for their children.

Section 4(4) of the Bill indicates that any employer who does not comply, is liable upon conviction to a fine not exceeding 500,000 Kenya Shillings or an imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or both.

Mukaye pointed out that the gesture will allow lactating mothers to take care of their children better and possibly increase their productivity at the work place.

She pointed out that World Vision Kenya has a policy that allows mothers with children less than two years to get to work one hour late or leave for home one hour earlier, until the child is 15months of age.

Mukaye said the organisation also provides a child friendly space for employees’ children, when need arises, within its office premises.

World Vision Kenya National Nutrition Specialist, Daniel Muhinja noted that nutrition for the first 1000 days of a child’s life are critical with lifelong health implications, noting the funds for the fridge were courtesy of Australian Aid.

By Susan Otieno,

Communications Officer World Vision Kenya.