The University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) Human Breast Milk Bank has saved the lives of 23 babies within its first year of operation, following its official launch in June 2025.

The initiative, the first of its kind in Ghana, was established by the Paediatric Department of UGMC in collaboration with Indiana University’s School of Public Health (USA) to provide safe donor breast milk for vulnerable newborns.

As of June 2026, the milk bank has collected a total of 89,155 millilitres of breast milk donated by 14 volunteer mothers. Out of this volume, 19,265 millilitres have been dispensed to infants in need.

According to UGMC, the beneficiaries include babies whose mothers had passed away, were critically ill, or were unable to produce sufficient breast milk.

Of the 23 lives saved, 12 infants were treated at UGMC, while 11 others were supported in different hospitals across the country.

The centre expressed appreciation to donor mothers for their contribution, describing them as altruistic individuals whose donations have directly contributed to saving newborn lives.

UGMC also highlighted the continued collaboration with Professor Cecilia Obeng of Indiana University, who played a key role in establishing the project. She recently visited the facility with her students as part of ongoing academic and technical support for the initiative.

The hospital encouraged more lactating mothers with surplus milk to participate in the programme, noting that human breast milk remains the safest and most beneficial nutrition for infants, particularly premature and vulnerable babies.

Interested donors have been encouraged to contact 0252067014 for participation in the programme.