Cyprus is preparing to establish its first National Human Milk Bank, with the Health Ministry including provisions for the new service in the 2027 state budget.
The facility will primarily support premature and low-birth-weight newborns when their mother’s own milk is unavailable or insufficient.
The Health Ministry’s budget includes €240,000 for medical and other equipment, part of which will cover equipment required for the Human Milk Bank. A further €45,000 has been allocated specifically to prepare the facility that will house the service.
Protection for vulnerable newborns
The new service is expected to be particularly important for Neonatal Intensive Care Units.
The World Health Organization recommends donor human milk for premature or low-birth-weight babies when their mother’s own milk is unavailable. This includes very premature babies born before 32 weeks of pregnancy and infants weighing less than 1.5kg at birth.
A mother’s own milk remains the first choice. When that is unavailable or insufficient, milk from screened donors can provide an important alternative.
This is particularly significant for premature babies, who are more vulnerable to infections and complications and may require prolonged hospital treatment.
One important consideration is protection against necrotising enterocolitis, a serious intestinal disease that predominantly affects premature newborns. According to the WHO, donor human milk rather than formula is associated with a lower risk of developing the condition.
In July 2026, the WHO also issued its first global standards for human milk banks, aimed at promoting their safe and high-quality operation.
Around one in 10 babies born prematurely
The importance of such a facility is heightened by Cyprus’ relatively high rate of premature births.
According to the Health Ministry’s Health Monitoring Unit, approximately 11.3% of babies in Cyprus are born prematurely, placing the country among the highest-ranking European countries for premature births and multiple pregnancies.
With almost one in 10 babies born before completing the 37th week of pregnancy, access to human milk can be particularly important for a significant group of newborns.
First phase at Makarios and Limassol hospitals
A human milk bank is more than simply a facility for storing breast milk.
It requires an organised process covering every stage from donation to the point at which the milk is provided to a newborn.
Potential donors are screened according to specific criteria, while donated milk must be collected and transported under controlled conditions.
It is then processed and tested before being safely stored and recorded, ensuring traceability from the donor to the newborn who eventually receives it.
The system will allow neonatal units to access screened donor milk when there is a medical need.
Under the Health Ministry’s plans, the National Human Milk Bank will operate at Makarios Hospital.
During its first phase, it will meet the needs of the Neonatal Intensive Care Units at Makarios Hospital and Limassol General Hospital.
At a later stage, depending on the availability of donated milk, the service is expected to be expanded to cover other public and private hospitals.
Mothers will be able to donate their surplus breast milk after first meeting the needs of their own baby.
