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Ms. Judy Chen, Chairman of UNICEF HK is giving a speech ©UNICEF HK/2021

Hong Kong, December 17, 2021- The Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF HK) hosted “Say Yes to Breastfeeding – Acknowledgement Ceremony” today to acknowledge corporations and organizations for supporting eastfeeding in Hong Kong.

Officiating Guests including Professor Sophia Chan Siu-chee, Secretary for Food and Health, Mr. Ricky Chu Man-Kin, Chairperson of Equal Opportunities Commission (EoC), Dr. Lo Yim Chong, Vice-chairperson of Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative Hong Kong Association, Ms. Judy Chen, Chairman of UNICEF HK, Dr. Ko Wing Man and Dr. Barbara Lam, Council Members of UNICEF HK attended the ceremony today.

Professor Sophia Chan Siu-chee, Secretary for Food and Health stated, “UNICEF HK has been initiating and promoting eastfeeding for many years.

In accordance with the Breastfeeding Survey 2021, sustaining eastfeeding, in particular exclusive eastfeeding, has faced multiple challenges due to the pandemic. I wish the general public can continue to provide positive influence and support to eastfeeding mothers.”

Ms. Judy Chen, Chairman of UNICEF HK stated, “UNICEF HK has recently launched a new strategy in promoting ‘Say Yes to Breastfeeding’ – to work closely with chambers of commerce, welfare institutions and business associations to further promote eastfeeding to over 3,000 corporate members and 20,000 professionals.  I am expecting the new strategy will further our advocacy with the local community and build a much stronger and more sophisticated eastfeeding environment in Hong Kong.”

Mr. Ricky Chu Man-Kin, Chairperson of Equal Opportunities Commission (EoC) said, “the amendment to the Sex Discrimination Ordinance (“SDO”) in June this year to prohibit eastfeeding discrimination and provide legal protection marked an important milestone.” 

Dr. Ko Wing Man, Council Member of UNICEF HK stated, “raising a child is not only a family and mother’s responsibility but also a

Professor Sophia Chan Siu-chee, Secretary for Food and Health is giving a speech©UNICEF HK/2021

shared responsibility of the community. I wish the community can lend more support to eastfeeding mothers.”

At the ceremony, UNICEF HK officially launched its new ‘Say Yes to Breastfeeding’ website (sayyestoeastfeeding.hk), a convenient instrument for mothers to search for useful information and facilities most nearby among the 400+ public eastfeeding friendly locations.  UNICEF HK also acknowledged corporations and organizations for supporting eastfeeding in the local community.

‘Say Yes to Breastfeeding’ is a community supported campaign initiated by the Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF, in collaboration with the Food and Heath Bureau and Department of Health.  We aim to educate the public on mothers’ needs for support in the community in order to sustain eastfeeding; cultivate a positive public attitude towards eastfeeding in the workplace and premises; and to provide mothers with better community support for sustaining eastfeeding.

(From left to right) Dr. Lo Yim Chong，Vice-chairperson of Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative Hong Kong Association, Dr. Ko Wing Man, Council Member of UNICEF HK, Ms. Judy Chen, Chairman of UNICEF HK, Professor Sophia Chan Siu-chee, Secretary for Food and Health, Dr. Barbara Lam, Council Member of UNICEF HK and Mr. Ricky Chu Man-Kin, Chairperson of Equal Opportunities Commission (EoC) officiated the ceremony ©UNICEF HK/2021

Group photo with participating guests ©UNICEF HK/2021

About Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF

Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF HK) was founded in 1986 and was established as an independent local non-government organization to raise funds through public donations, corporate partnerships and special events, etc. to support UNICEF’s work. UNICEF HK also promotes and advocates for children’s rights through organizing education and youth programs in Hong Kong.

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Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF