LEBANON - The Ministry of Public Health, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), announced the accreditation of Marjayoun Governmental Hospital, Ain W Zain Medical Village, and Al-Rassoul Al-Aazam Hospital as “Baby-Friendly Hospitals,” after they successfully completed the ten globally required steps set by UNICEF and the World Health Organization for successful breastfeeding.

This accreditation represents an important milestone in Lebanon’s efforts to enhance the quality of maternal and newborn care services, through the implementation of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, carried out in partnership between the Ministry of Public Health and UNICEF and monitored by the International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC).

The initiative aims to transform hospitals from mere places of delivery into supportive environments that empower breastfeeding from the very first moments after birth.

The accreditation was announced during a ceremony in which the Minister of Public Health presented accreditation plaques to the directors of Al-Rassoul Al-Aazam Hospital, Dr. Hussein Shqeir; Marjayoun Governmental Hospital, Dr. Mounes Klakach; and Ain W Zain Medical Village, Dr. Suheil Imad.

It was also noted that both Nabih Berri Governmental Hospital and Minieh Governmental Hospital have completed the required steps and are now ready for external evaluation, reflecting significant progress toward obtaining official recognition.

Minister of Public Health Rakan Nasser El-Din stated: “The accreditation of baby-friendly hospitals is not merely a technical step, but a national commitment to protecting life from its very first moments. Investing in the health of mothers and newborns, especially during the critical hours and days after birth, is among the most effective investments in Lebanon’s future”.

Minister Nasser El-Din also expressed his pride that Marjayoun Governmental Hospital is among the accredited hospitals, particularly as it is a public hospital located in a border area affected by ongoing aggression.

Despite its limited resources, the hospital succeeded in achieving the required standards, setting an example for other public hospitals.