Cyprus has opened its first National Human Milk Bank, marking a major step forward in caring for its most vulnerable newborns. Based at the Archbishop Makarios III Hospital, this important project was made possible through a partnership between the government and civil society. It was funded by the charity "Thermokitida Agapis," which means "Incubator of Love." The bank will act as a vital safety net, providing carefully checked donor breast milk to premature and very sick babies who cannot be breastfed by their own mothers right away.
This new facility solves a long-term problem in the care of newborn babies. For infants born too early or with serious health issues, a mother’s own milk is extremely important medicine. It offers unique protection against infection, supports brain development, and lowers the risk of dangerous stomach conditions. However, after a difficult birth, a mother might face health problems or her milk may not come in immediately. Until now, Cyprus did not have an official system to help in these situations, leaving families and doctors with few good options.
The milk bank is a key part of Cyprus's new National Strategy for Breastfeeding for 2024 to 2027 and has the full support of Health Minister Michalis Damianos. It follows strict safety rules that are common across Europe. Every donation will be collected, heat-treated, tested, and stored with great care. This guarantees a safe and high-quality product that doctors can trust as a medical treatment.
The charity Thermokitida Agapis provided the money to start the bank and will help keep it running. They explained the spirit of the project by saying, "Every baby deserves the best possible start," and that "Every drop of love counts." This shows that beyond the science, donor milk is a powerful act of community support.
Doctors describe the milk bank as a transformative achievement for healthcare in Cyprus. It brings the country in line with the best practices in Europe and will greatly reduce stress for parents during a very difficult time. Looking ahead, the bank is set to become a normal part of children’s healthcare. Its success also creates a model for how the government and charities can work together for public health, symbolizing a shared promise to give every child, no matter how small, the best chance to grow and thrive.