Health Bureau (SSM) Director Alvis Lo Iek Long has said recently that 3,053 pregnant women made their first antenatal appointments in the first half of this year, an increase of 4.2 percent compared to the same period last year of 2,929, and based on the year-on-year figures, one could expect next year’s birth rate to be higher this year’s, the bureau said in a statement yesterday.
Dr Lo made the remarks during the bureau’s 2024 Breastfeeding Promotion Recognition Ceremony on Saturday, which marked World Breastfeeding Week 2024 between August 1 and 7.
The statement did not say where the event was held.
The ceremony was co-organised by the Macau Breastfeeding Association and Macau Breastfeeding & Nurturing Promotion Association (APACIM), with the attendance of more than 200 participants from public entities, local associations and schools.
The ceremony on Saturday awarded certificates to 190 breastfeeding mothers who have been breastfeeding for 6 to 12 months, 12 to 24 months and 24 to 36 months.
According to the statement, there are 367 breastfeeding rooms in public and private organisations in Macau, and the breastfeeding rate has increased from 88 percent in 2015 to about 92 percent in 2023.
Dr Lo said that breastfeeding can promote the growth and development of babies, strengthen their resistance and facilitate the emotional connection between mothers and babies, the statement pointed out, adding that the government will continue to provide antenatal care services to pregnant women throughout the pregnancy cycle to ensure that their babies are healthy and that they have a smooth birth.
Dr Lo also said he hoped that all sectors of the community would work together in their respective roles to promote breastfeeding and make greater contributions to the healthy growth of Macau’s next generation, the statement said.
This handout photo provided by the Health Bureau (SSM) yesterday shows eight breastfeeding mothers and their kids who have been breastfeeding for 12 to 24 months, awarded certificates by SSM Acting Deputy Director Loi I Leng (centre) during the bureau’s 2024 Breastfeeding Promotion Recognition Ceremony on Saturday.
