Dhahran, Saudi Arabia – 9 December 2024: Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare (JHAH) has achieved a significant milestone with its Dhahran Health Center receiving official 'Baby-Friendly Hospital' accreditation from the Saudi Ministry of Health. This prestigious recognition places the center among fewer than ten hospitals in Saudi Arabia to achieve this distinction, reflecting its commitment to the highest standards of breastfeeding support, maternal-infant bonding, and evidence-based maternity care.

By prioritizing maternal and neonatal health, JHAH reaffirms its commitment to advancing public health priorities, aligning with Vision 2030's goals of improving healthcare outcomes and enhancing quality of life across the Kingdom.

The 'Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI)', developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, is widely recognized as the gold standard for maternal and neonatal health. Facilities accredited under this program implement the 'Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding,' an evidence-based framework designed to equip families with the tools and support needed to ensure optimal nutrition and care for newborns.

JHAH's Dhahran Health Center earned this recognition in just nine months, far exceeding the standard two-year timeline. This achievement required meeting rigorous global standards, including ethical guidelines for breast-milk substitutes, implementing robust infant feeding policies, ensuring consistent clinical monitoring, and fostering a supportive environment for maternal-infant bonding. The process also involved three comprehensive assessments conducted by eight Ministry of Health surveyors.

Dr. Michael Walsh, CEO of JHAH, said, 'This accreditation reflects the dedication of our healthcare professionals who have gone above and beyond to create an environment where mothers and newborns receive the highest standard of care. Achieving this recognition in just nine months speaks to the strength of our team and our ability to implement impactful, evidence-based practices swiftly and effectively. It reflects JHAH's commitment to advancing maternal and neonatal care in Saudi Arabia by integrating world-class global standards with the specific needs and priorities of local healthcare.'

Dr. Greer Barlow, Senior Nursing Director at JHAH, said, 'This accreditation is a testament to the passion and expertise of our nursing professionals in supporting breastfeeding and providing compassionate care for families. It not only acknowledges our efforts but also represents a significant step in advancing maternal and infant health standards across the Kingdom. Our goal has always been to empower mothers and ensure a supportive environment that promotes lasting health for both mother and child.'

Extensive research highlights the far-reaching benefits of breastfeeding for both infants and mothers. For infants, breastfeeding strengthens the immune system, protects against respiratory infections, and supports brain development. For mothers, it promotes postpartum recovery, reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancers, and lowers the likelihood of chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes. While breastfeeding initiation rates in Saudi Arabia are high, the sharp decline in exclusive breastfeeding by six months highlights the vital role of BFHI-certified facilities like JHAH in providing continuous education and support.

JHAH's Dhahran Health Center offers a full spectrum of maternity services, including prenatal and postnatal care, continuous rooming-in practices to enhance mother-baby bonding, and round-the-clock epidural services for labor pain management. Additional resources, such as the 'Pregnant Peggy' feature on JHAH's MyChart app, guide expectant mothers through their pregnancy journey, while support groups for new mothers provide ongoing assistance and foster community connections during this critical time.

This accreditation demonstrates JHAH's leadership in advancing maternal and neonatal care, reflecting its ability to deliver exceptional care that directly enhances health outcomes for families in Saudi Arabia. With this recognition, the Dhahran Health Center is committed to sustaining its Baby-Friendly practices, delivering comprehensive support to mothers and newborns while driving measurable improvements in maternal and infant health across the Kingdom.