By Josephine Agbonkhese

As the world celebrates Human Milk Donation Day 2025 today, MilkBankNG, Nigeria’s pioneer human milk bank, has applauded the contributions of milk donors, calling on like-minded organisations and individuals to collaborate towards ensuring the provision of safe, pasteurized donor breast milk for the improvement of infant health and survival in Nigeria.

Commending the donors, Dr. Chinenye Obinwanne, Lactation Consultant/Founder, MilkBankNG, said: “At the heart of MilkBankNG’s success are the selfless contributions of our breast milk donors, whose stories inspire and motivate our mission, enabling us to offer critical nourishment for premature babies in neonatal intensive care units, NICUs.

“Through the dedication of these donors, MilkBankNG has provided over 200 liters of pasteurised donor breast milk, supporting mothers, doctors, and midwives in caring for 47 vulnerable infants including twins and triplets.

“This life-saving milk ensures better outcomes for babies in Neo-natal Intensive Care Units, NICUs, at these hospitals.”

In response, one of the donors, Mrs Modupe Folarin, described being able to “share” as a blessing. 

Folarin said: “Having heard stories of the pain some mothers go through for not being able to breastfeed their babies due to no fault of theirs, I feel grateful to be able to produce milk, and it’s a blessing to be able to share. Plus, if I’m going to carry this ‘weight’ on my chest, it might as well support more than just two destinies!”

For Folarin, the experience of donating has been fulfilling:
“It’s amazing to think that my milk can help another baby thrive. It’s like having a superpower! Knowing my donation makes a difference feels like a badge of honour, and that makes it all worth it.”

Also testifying to the impact of MilkBankNG’s human milk initiative on mothers and babies in NICUs across Lagos State, including Reddington Hospital, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, and Evercare, a nurse
at Reddington Hospital shared:
“We deeply appreciate the vision and dedication behind establishing a donor milk bank in Lagos. The donor breast milk has been invaluable to the babies in our NICU. It has significantly contributed to their growth and well-being while helping us prevent complications often associated with formula feeding.
None of them has experienced adverse reactions, which speaks to the high quality and safety of the milk provided.
 
Another, a doctor in the NICU at Evercare Hospital, said: “Donor milk has been transformational for some of our families. For our NICU babies especially, donor milk has been nothing short of miraculous. The reduction in infections and digestive issues (Necrotizing Enterocolitis) speaks volumes, as well as the peace their parents now have.”

Noting that as the first human milk bank in Nigeria the organisation has continued to encounter and address significant challenges including cultural and religious, funding constraints, early adoption hurdle, infrastructure and logistics, Obinwanne said partnerships from like-minded organisations and individuals, whether through financial support, advocacy, or operational collaboration, will be beneficial.

“Partnerships are essential to scaling our impact. Together, we can create a future where no baby is left without the nourishment they need to thrive”, she said.

She further announced that as part of this year’s celebration, MilkBankNG will launch a fundraising campaign aimed at expanding its impact and addressing the unique challenges of pioneering milk banking in Nigeria.

“Additionally, we will host events to recognise and celebrate the selflessness of our milk donors, whose contributions have been instrumental in saving the lives of vulnerable babies.

“These initiatives aim to highlight the importance of milk donation, encourage more mothers to join this life-saving mission, and foster a community committed to improving infant health and survival across Nigeria,” she added.