Twenty mothers at Keetmanshoop Hospital's maternity ward received baby essentials as part of the World Breastfeeding Week commemoration.

The newly elected mayor, Emrico Blaauw, along with senior medical staff, handed over the donations on Thursday.

World Breastfeeding Week is an annual global campaign held from August 1 to 7 to raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding, promote and protect breastfeeding practices, and highlight the health benefits for both mothers and babies.

The donation packages include breastfeeding information materials, fruits, nutritional items for babies, baby blankets, clothes and nappies.

"Families, healthcare providers, employers and communities all have a role to play in encouraging, protecting and supporting breastfeeding. As we commemorate this day, let us renew our commitment to raising awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding by promoting informed choices and ensuring every mother receives the support she needs to give her child the best possible start in life, reiterated Blaauw.

Blaauw further expressed appreciation to the medical staff, MTC, and Pep Stores in Keetmanshoop for their support in making the donation possible.

While handing over the donations, the head of the Keetmanshoop maternity ward, Eunike Angula, and a beneficiary, Petrina Frederik, expressed their gratitude.

"On behalf of the staff and mothers of the maternity ward, we would like to share our sincere gratitude to the mayor of Keetmanshoop for your donation given to the mothers. We would also like to thank you for making this year's World Breastfeeding at our hospital a memorable moment for our hospital."

"I would just like to thank you for the gifts you have given us."