Operational and Systemic Challenges in Human Milk Banking

Author(s)	Bright Ansah Adjei, Nana Adu Gyamfi Ofori-Asumadu, Christiana Michael Akpan, Nana Ansua Ababio, Jacob Narteh Kodji, Maame Achiaa Adu-Kofi
Country	Ghana
Abstract	Human milk banks (HMBs) are necessary for providing donor human milk (DHM) to vulnerable infants, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Nevertheless, human milk banks face significant challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, insufficient healthcare worker training, limited standardized guidelines, financial constraints, and ethical and safety concerns. These barriers suppress the efficient operation and sustainability of human milk banking, particularly in resource-limited settings. This review synthesizes findings from fifteen studies to highlight these challenges and proffer solutions, including investing in infrastructure, developing standardized protocols, increasing funding, and enhancing training programs. Addressing these issues is essential to ensure the readily availability of safe and high-quality donor human milk for vulnerable infants, especially in low- and middle-income countries where the need is greatest.
Keywords	Human Milk Banks, Donor Human Milk, Operational and Systemic Challenges
Published In	Volume 7, Issue 2, March-April 2025
Published On	2025-03-16
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i02.39175
Short DOI	https://doi.org/g882jz

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International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research