News

Hong Kong, 31 July 2025 – The first week of August marks World Breastfeeding Week, a global observance that highlights the importance of breastfeeding and encourages collective efforts to support it. To commemorate this occasion, Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF HK), in collaboration with the Department of Health, Hospital Authority and Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative Hong Kong Association, co-hosted a celebration event today under the theme of this year: “Prioritize Breastfeeding, Create Sustainable Support Systems.”

The event was attended by distinguished guests including Dr Cecilia Fan Yuen Man, Under Secretary for Health; Dr Teresa Li Mun Pik, Deputy Director of Health; Dr Raymond Cheung Wai Man, Chief Manager (Patient Safety and Risk Management) of the Hospital Authority; Dr Rosanna Wong Ming Sum, Chairperson of Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative Hong Kong Association; Dr Leung Wing Cheong, Vice-chairperson of Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative Hong Kong Association; and Ms Judy Chen, Chairman of UNICEF HK.         

In her speech, Ms Judy Chen, Chairman of UNICEF HK, highlighted the success of the 'Say Yes To Breastfeeding' Campaign, a joint initiative by UNICEF HK, the Health Bureau and the Department of Health, now in its 10^th year. She noted that the campaign has been instrumental in fostering positive public attitudes towards breastfeeding and has garnered strong support from various sectors. To date, more than 3,000 workplaces and premises throughout Hong Kong have been recognized as ‘Breastfeeding Friendly’, providing comprehensive support to breastfeeding mothers.

Ms Chen also announced a new initiative introduced this year, “As part of the annual renewal process for the 'Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace' and 'Breastfeeding Friendly Premises' programmes, we have incorporated new elements to promote breast milk donation. Over 90% of participating corporations have pledged to take action to support this effort, helping to raise public awareness of the newly established Hong Kong Breast Milk Bank and recruit more donors to provide breast milk for premature and critically ill infants, reducing the risk of severe illness in newborns and ensuring they receive adequate natural nutrition.”

UNICEF HK has been dedicated to promote breastfeeding through a variety of initiatives, including the 'Breastfeeding Room Design Competition' which encourages designs that prioritize the needs of nursing mothers and babies. Many of the submissions featured modern, aesthetically pleasing, comfortable, and highly functional concepts. The winning designs are now showcased in a brand-new virtual exhibition, open for public viewing at: https://framevr.io/unicef-virtual-exhibition.

Ensuring every child receives the optimal nutrition is a cornerstone of building a child-friendly city. UNICEF HK will continue its efforts through the "Say Yes to Breastfeeding" campaign to foster supportive environments for nursing mothers, laying a healthy foundation for every child’s "First 7,000 days of Life." Together, we can make Hong Kong a more child-friendly city.

Dr Cecilia Fan Yuen Man, Under Secretary for Health (third from left); Dr Teresa Li Mun Pik, Deputy Director of Health (second from left); Dr Raymond Cheung Wai Man, Chief Manager (Patient Safety and Risk Management) of the Hospital Authority (second from right); Dr Leung Wing Cheong, Vice-chairperson of Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative Hong Kong Association (first from left), and Ms Judy Chen, Chairman of UNICEF HK (first from right).

Ms Judy Chen, Chairman of UNICEF HK, highlighted in her speech that more than 3,000 workplaces and premises throughout Hong Kong have been recognized as ‘Breastfeeding Friendly’, providing comprehensive support to breastfeeding mothers.