Assunta Hospital receives Baby Friendly Hospital accreditation

Assunta Hospital has officially joined the ranks of globally recognised Baby Friendly hospitals, receiving accreditation under the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) in May 2025. The recognition marks a major milestone for the non-profit private hospital, further cementing its legacy in maternal and child healthcare.

The accreditation was celebrated at the Jelajah MADANI BFHI Ceremony, held at Assunta Hospital’s Obstetrics & Gynaecology Centre and officiated by Dr. Ismuni bin Bohari, Deputy Director-General of Health (Public Health), Ministry of Health (MOH), together with the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Wilson Choo Voon Chee.

“This recognition is a historic milestone for Assunta Hospital after more than 70 years of service,” said Mr. Choo. “It reflects the teamwork and dedication of MOH, our doctors, nurses, lactation counselors, and hospital staff.”

Assunta Hospital, founded in 1954, has been championing breastfeeding initiatives since 1992. The BFHI accreditation aligns the hospital with international standards that ensure every mother and baby receive optimal care and breastfeeding support.

Boosting Malaysia’s maternal and child health

The event also highlighted World Breastfeeding Week 2025, themed “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All.” The campaign supports Malaysia’s national target to encourage exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and continued breastfeeding for up to two years.

“With hospitals like Assunta leading the way, Malaysia moves closer to its national goal of improving maternal and child health outcomes while nurturing a healthier future generation,” said Dr. Ismuni in his speech.

The MOH has long emphasised breastfeeding as a critical component of child development, immunity building, and maternal well-being, while reducing risks of chronic diseases later in life.

Celebrating nursing education legacy

Following the BFHI ceremony, dignitaries toured the Assunta College of Nursing, which marked its 100th student intake since its establishment in 1961. Over the decades, the college has trained thousands of nurses who have gone on to contribute to maternal and child health across Malaysia.

This educational legacy complements Assunta’s broader mission of service, particularly in supporting mothers through comprehensive lactation education, breastfeeding facilities, and community engagement programmes.

As a non-profit private hospital, Assunta continues to prioritise public health impact over profit, reinforcing its role as a trusted institution in advancing Malaysia’s maternal and child healthcare standards.