September 27, 2021:  Al Qassimi Women's & Children's Hospital of the Emirates Health Services (EHS) has been officially certified as a Baby-Friendly hospital following its success in complying with the quality of healthcare standards and providing outstanding services to women and children.

The EHS attributed this achievement to the strenuous and ongoing efforts exerted by the hospital staff members and competent national committee.
A four-day assessment process was conducted by the WHO/UNICEF under the supervision of the Ministry of Health's National Committee for Motherhood and Childhood.

The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) is based on ten steps to successful breastfeeding, where Al Qassimi Hospital has successfully passed the test in full thus enforcing the policies and criteria of BFHI, getting 80% and above in the implementation of the BFHI indicators.  
Mother and Child health is a strategic priority 

HE Dr. Yousef Mohammed Al Serkal, Director General, EHS, congratulated the hospital management and staff on this achievement, saying: 'The EHS's policies and strategies pay particular attention to the health of mothers and children by launching specific policies and programs and training the health personnel on the best practices and equipping them with necessary skills to provide distinguished healthcare services to children.

Supportive environment 
Dr. Safia Al Khaja, Director of the Hospital said: 'The Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) was launched by WHO and UNICEF and it aims to protect the health of infants and babies and give them the best start in life by focusing on the needs of mothers and their newborns. The initiative also seeks to encourage and support breastfeeding for better health for both mothers and children. 

 
Al Khaja stated that the Hospital has adopted the breastfeeding policy, set up a training system for its staff, the hospital also provides educational lectures to mothers during their periodic visits in pregnancy and after birth when the child receives vaccinations in order to increase their knowledge and information.

Evaluation stages
The evaluation process was very smooth and seamless thanks to the prior coordination between the hospital administration and the National Committee.
On the first day of evaluation, which was held remotely due to the ongoing circumstances, the evaluators held an official meeting with members of the executive management and the Baby-Friendly Hospital Committee. 

The purpose of the meeting was to highlight all information related to the practices of the ten steps and annual indicators, as well as the future plans of the hospital in this regard. 

Then, the evaluation committee interviewed the hospital staff to verify their application of the breastfeeding support policy and met mothers to ensure that they get the correct information and their ability to initiate and continue breastfeeding while receiving services and care. 
The evaluation ended with a presentation of the results and a review of the recommendations that should be taken into account in order to get prepared for re-evaluation after 3 years.