Newmarket, St Elizabeth — Scores of expectant mothers in St Elizabeth will receive a weekly supply of milk for the next three months in an effort to boost their health and nutrition and that of their unborn babies, according to a release from the Ministry of Health.

The Jamaica Dairy Development Board, an agency of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, made the donation recently at the Newmarket Health Centre in St Elizabeth as part of its pilot post-natal and Antenatal Nutrition Support Programme.

The board has partnered with milk producers, Serge Island Dairies, Jamaica Beverages, Edwards Dairy, and Island Dairies Limited to donate the milk to the expectant mothers, the release said.

Regional nutritionist for the Southern Regional Health Authority, Alice Carney told the expectant mothers that their diet should provide all the nutrients necessary for a mother’s health and the developing foetus. There should be adequate amounts of folic acid, energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals, especially calcium, iron and magnesium in the mother’s diet, she said.

“Poor nutritional status not only affects the woman’s health but also has a negative impact on the baby’s birthweight and development. Low birthweight is a major determinant of mortality and morbidity and has a long-term impact on the health outcome in adult life as studies have revealed the increased risk for chronic, non-communicable diseases. It is with the reality of these consequences that the Southern Regional Health Authority welcomes this initiative in increasing the food security and nutrition of our pregnant women,” Carney said.

Director of the Jamaica Dairy Development Board, Hugh Graham said his agency was committed to encouraging Jamaicans to consume more locally produced milk, particularly expectant mothers. He added that the project was launched on World Milk Day, June 1, as part of the Government’s thrust to increase milk production in Jamaica and revitalise the dairy industry.