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Hong Kong, November 18, 2022 – The Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF HK) hosted “Say Yes To Breastfeeding – Acknowledgement Ceremony 2022” today to acknowledge corporations and organizations for supporting eastfeeding in Hong Kong.

Guests including Dr. Libby Lee, Under Secretary for Health of HKSAR Government; Dr. Thomas Chung Wai Hung, Consultant Community Medicine (Family and Student Health), Department of Health; Mr. Ricky Chu Man-Kin, Chairperson of Equal Opportunities Commission (EoC); Dr. Leung Wing-Cheong, Chairperson of Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative Hong Kong Association (BFHIHKA); and Dr. Barbara Lam, Council Member of UNICEF HK, officiated the ceremony today.

Dr. Libby Lee stated that under the active promotion and collaboration of the Government and various sectors, the local eastfeeding rate has been on a steady rise over the past 20 years. She pointed out that a multi-sectoral Committee on Promotion of Breastfeeding was established, promoting eastfeeding through multi-pronged strategies and collaboration. Over the past few years, the Government has been pressing ahead the Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace and Premises policy. Numbers of babycare rooms and lactation rooms have increased accordingly, offering greater convenience to eastfeeding women. 

Dr. Barbara Lam specified, with the support from the public, community awareness towards the benefits of eastfeeding has been enhanced. UNICEF HK held the ‘2022 World Breastfeeding Week Photo Competition’ earlier this year, echoing the themes of ‘Say Yes for Love’, ‘Say Yes for Joy’ and ‘Say Yes for Pride’. She said, “We hope to further cultivate public’s positive attitude towards eastfeeding.  UNICEF HK will continue to encourage and engage more sectors to nurture a welcoming environment for mothers to eastfeed anywhere and at anytime.”

During today’s celeation, Dr. Thomas Chung Wai Hung, Dr. Leung Wing-cheong, Mr. Ricky Chu Man-Kin, and representatives from various companies also shared their views and experiences in promoting eastfeeding.  It is worth mentioning that apart from known companies and workplaces joining the campaign, there are also new supporters this year coming from co-working spaces which participate in "Say Yes To Breastfeeding" and provide facilities to eastfeeding mothers in need.

UNICEF HK launched the ‘Say Yes To Breastfeeding’ campaign in 2015 with the aim of raising public awareness on the needs of eastfeeding mothers. Since its launch, the campaign has received positive and active responses from various sectors. The campaign has successfully reached out to a network of over 7,000 corporate members and 63,000 professionals through collaboration with various chambers of commerce and social welfare organizations.

For further information on eastfeeding, please stay-tuned to our ‘Say Yes To Breastfeeding’ campaign website: http://www.sayyestoeastfeeding.hk

From left to right: Mr. Ricky Chu Man-Kin, Chairperson of Equal Opportunities Commission (EoC); Dr. Barbara Lam, Council Member of UNICEF HK; Dr. Libby Lee, Under Secretary for Health of HKSAR Government; Dr. Thomas Chung Wai Hung, Consultant Community Medicine (Family and Student Health), Department of Health; Dr. Leung Wing-Cheong, Chairperson of Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative Hong Kong Association (BFHIHKA) ©UNICEF HK/2022

‘Say Yes To Breastfeeding’ campaign has successfully reached out to a network of over 7,000 corporate members and 63,000 professionals through collaboration with various chambers of commerce and social welfare organizations ©UNICEF HK/2022

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