Human Milk Banking Sophy Mabasa

Background – Work for PATH South Africa – Support Department of Health in Nutritional Assessment Counseling and Support (NACS) approach – Nutrition Assessment, Counseling, and Support (NACS) is an approach that aims to improve the nutritional status of individuals and populations by integrating prevention and treatment of malnutrition into policies, programs, health service delivery infrastructure and community services.

Why NACS Purpose of NACS is to prevent and manage malnutrition in order to reduce the morbidity and mortality in vulnerable groups The vulnerable groups include: – Children from 0 – 2 years – Pregnant and lactating women

NACS: A Programme Approach to integrate nutrition into the continuum of care Economic strengthening, livelihoods & food security Nutrition care & support HIV-Free Survival Health system strengthening OBJECTIVES: Improve nutritional status Improve infant survival Reduce food insecurity Strengthen health systems GOAL: Improved health and quality of life

Entry Points Assessment Counseling Clinical Mgmt Support Community Surveillance, Referral, Counseling & Support Clinic Community NACS - Nutrition Assessment, Counseling & Support

How NACS relates to Human Milk Banking NACS provides an opportunity to emphasize aspects of HMB, these are: Advocacy for breastfeeding longer and donation of breast milk Encouraging establishment of HMB to address malnutrition and as food security for vulnerable children

Benefits Increased breastfeeding rates Reduced infant mortality Survival and wellness of children

Thank you