The Ministry of Health of Peru announced on March 19 the official establishment of the National Committee for Human Milk Banks, in accordance with Law No. 31633 and its regulation D.S. No. 022-2025-SA.
The initiative aims to reduce neonatal mortality and improve food security for vulnerable newborns by strengthening national policies that promote, protect, and support breastfeeding. The move comes as prematurity rates in Peru have increased from 6.8 percent in 2021 to 7.8 percent in 2025.
The new committee is tasked with developing and overseeing the implementation plan for a National Network of Human Milk Banks, encouraging voluntary milk donation, and ensuring quality standards are met across all facilities. These specialized centers collect, process, and distribute pasteurized human milk to newborns who cannot receive milk from their own mothers due to clinical or maternal reasons.
Committee members include representatives from the Ministry of Health, the National Maternal Perinatal Institute (INMP), Social Health Insurance (EsSalud), health services of the National Police and Armed Forces, as well as private clinics. This inter-institutional collaboration is intended to strengthen the health system’s response for at-risk infants.
During the installation meeting, Dr. Yencey Barranzuela Montoya, executive director of the Directorate for Life Course Interventions and Comprehensive Care (DVICI) and president of the committee, said: “Today, ante el aumento de la prematuridad en nuestro país, damos un paso decisivo para proteger a nuestros recién nacidos más vulnerables con la instalación de este Comité. Exhorto a los miembros a asumir con la máxima responsabilidad la tarea de construir y fortalecer la Red Nacional de Bancos de Leche Humana, una red que salvará vidas y promoverá la lactancia materna.”
Currently there are six operational Human Milk Banks in Peru that will form the initial core of this national network. The Ministry said this action reinforces its commitment to promoting breastfeeding and closing gaps in neonatal health.
