Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Human Milk Africa

1. What is Human Milk Africa?

Answer:
Human Milk Africa is a Ghana-based non-profit organization dedicated to saving the lives of newborns by promoting safe human milk banking, breastfeeding education, and maternal support across Africa. We connect lactating mothers who have surplus breast milk with hospitals and babies in need to reduce infant mortality rates and promote healthy child development.

2. What is a Human Milk Bank and how does it work?

Answer:
A human milk bank is a safe, regulated facility where donated breast milk from healthy mothers is screened, pasteurized, and stored for use by babies who cannot be breastfed by their biological mothers. At Human Milk Africa, our process follows global safety standards to ensure that every drop of milk given to infants is pure, nutritious, and life-saving.

3. Why is human milk so important for newborns?

Answer:
Breast milk contains essential nutrients, antibodies, and enzymes that protect infants from infections and diseases. Studies show that exclusive breastfeeding can reduce infant mortality by up to 13% and prevent thousands of neonatal deaths every year. Human Milk Africa ensures that even the most vulnerable babies — including premature and low-birth-weight infants — receive this natural protection.

4. Who can donate breast milk?

Answer:
Any healthy, lactating mother with surplus milk can become a donor. Donors undergo a simple health screening and blood test to ensure safety. If approved, they can donate milk at our collection centers or through our mobile milk collection system. Every donation helps save a baby’s life.

5. How safe is donor breast milk?

Answer:
Safety is our top priority. Every batch of donated milk undergoes rigorous screening, pasteurization, and microbiological testing before distribution. Our milk banks follow WHO and UNICEF safety guidelines, ensuring the highest standards of hygiene and quality control.

6. How does Human Milk Africa help reduce infant mortality in Ghana and Africa?

Answer:
By providing safe donor milk to newborns who lack access to breast milk, we help prevent malnutrition, sepsis, and other fatal conditions in the first critical weeks of life. Our work supports UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by improving child survival rates across Africa.

7. Can I support Human Milk Africa if I’m not a donor?

Answer:
Absolutely! You can support us by donating funds, volunteering, or becoming a community ambassador. Every contribution helps us build more milk banks, reach rural mothers, and educate communities about the power of breast milk.

8. Is donor breast milk free for babies in need?

Answer:
Yes. Human Milk Africa provides donor breast milk completely free of charge to babies in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), orphanages, and hospitals. Our mission is to ensure that no baby is denied nourishment due to poverty or circumstance.

9. How can hospitals and health facilities partner with Human Milk Africa?

Answer:
Hospitals, clinics, and maternity homes can partner with us by becoming milk distribution centers or donor collection sites. Partnerships help expand access to safe human milk and enhance neonatal care services across the continent.

10. How can I get involved or contact Human Milk Africa?

Answer:
You can get involved by becoming a donor, volunteer, or sponsor. Visit our website’s Contact page to register your interest.