Eight Hospitals Certified, Powerful Promises to ensure Mothers and Babies thrive and survive.

Georgetown, Guyana - May 5, 2026 - Applause filled the room in Georgetown as eight hospitals across Guyana were officially certified as Baby-Friendly. The facilities were assessed at different times under the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF's Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI). This certification ensures that mothers receive consistent, evidence-based support to successfully initiate and sustain breastfeeding from birth.

Dr. Rhonda Sealey-Thomas, Assistant Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), admitted her initial disbelief: "Eight hospitals? In one country? At the same time?" But after hearing the passion of midwives, nurses, and public health leaders, she said any doubt quickly faded.

Michael Gillis of UNICEF praised the Ministry of Health and partners for their leadership: "Every child has the right to survival and development to the highest attainable standard of health, and breastfeeding is central to that." He emphasized that breastfeeding is both a child's right to health and a mother's right to informed, supportive care, said Mr. Michael Gillis, Social Policy Specialist, UNICEF

Dr. Ertenisa Hamilton underscored the broader impact: "Let us ensure that every child that enters this world has a really good start. The best start that you can give that child is breastfeeding." She linked breastfeeding to food security, health equity, and cultural continuity, calling it "everybody's business."

The BFHI promotes ten evidence-based steps to support breastfeeding, with benefits including stronger immunity, reduced infant mortality, and economic relief for families. With support from PAHO, UNICEF, Global Affairs Canada, and Guyana's Ministry of Health, dozens of healthcare workers were trained and mentored to meet the initiative's rigorous standards.

As certificates were presented, the celebration reflected not just policies but people-healthcare workers, mothers, and communities united in commitment. Guyana now moves toward an ambitious goal: making every hospital in the country Baby-Friendly, ensuring that every newborn receives the best possible start in life. Seven government hospitals and one private hospital were certified during the ceremony.

1. Oscar Joseph District Hospital, Region 2
2. Public Hospital Suddie, Region 2
3. St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital, Region 4
4. Bartica Regional Hospital, Region 7
5. Mahdia District Hospital, Region 8
6. Lethem Regional Hospital, Region 9
7. Kwakwani District Hospital, Region 10
8. Linden Hospital Complex, Region 10

PAHO reaffirmed its strong commitment to sustaining this progress, pledging continued technical support, training, and advocacy. "We stand firmly with Guyana to ensure that every mother and every newborn has the chance to thrive," Dr. Sealey-Thomas declared, underscoring that this milestone marks the beginning of a new chapter in the nation's health journey.