Río Negro Province Expands Human Milk Network, Bolstering Infant Health
Río Negro province in Argentina is strengthening its commitment to infant health through the expansion of its Provincial Human Milk Network. Currently encompassing 12 collection centers across the province, the network facilitates the collection, processing, and distribution of donated human milk to newborns in need, particularly premature infants and those facing health vulnerabilities.
A Provincial Network for Equitable Access
The network operates on a collaborative model, with collection centers strategically located in the Upper Valley, Middle Valley, Andean Zone, and Atlantic Zone of Río Negro. Donated milk from these centers is transported to the Human Milk Bank in General Roca for rigorous microbiological analysis and pasteurization. Following quality control, the processed milk is distributed to neonatal units in Roca, Cipolletti, and Bariloche. The upcoming integration of Viedma as a distribution center promises to extend this vital resource to newborns in the provincial capital, furthering equitable access to human milk. Río Negro Government
Strengthening the Network Through Collaboration and Training
Recent efforts have focused on strengthening the network through knowledge sharing and training. The activity was led by Daniela Fernández, Coordinator of the Human Milk Bank, and Noelia Loyola, representative of the Provincial Network. They provided technical and procedural guidance to staff at Breastfeeding Centers to formalize their roles as official collection points. AN Roca
The Río Negro Human Milk Bank: Seven Years of Service
The Human Milk Bank of Río Negro, based at the “Dr. Francisco López Lima” Hospital in Roca, has been operational for seven years. Since its establishment in 2018, the bank has supported over 600 mothers who have chosen to donate their milk, completing more than 400 pasteurization processes. AN Roca The bank’s work is recognized for its role in promoting breastfeeding and ensuring the health of vulnerable newborns.
How to Donate
Breastfeeding mothers who wish to contribute to this life-saving initiative can donate surplus milk. The Provincial Network provides training and resources to ensure safe milk extraction practices at home. Río Negro Government
Recognition and Future Outlook
The dedication of the Human Milk Bank and the Provincial Network was recently acknowledged by the Río Negro Legislature, which declared their work to be of sanitary, social, and community interest. Legislator Ariel Bernatene presented the recognition during a ceremony attended by hospital director Susana Marezzi, bank coordinator Daniela Fernández, and network representative Noelia Loyola. AN Roca Río Negro continues to prioritize early nutrition policies, aiming to make pasteurized human milk accessible to all newborns who need it. YouTube