The Ministry of Health in Jujuy recently announced that the CES-Snopek hospital in Alto Comedero underwent an external evaluation as part of its bid to become accredited as a “Hospital Amigo de la Lactancia.” This process was initiated by the province after two years of preparation, aiming to achieve the first such certification in Jujuy since regulatory changes made in 2020. The updated rules stipulate that only hospitals with essential obstetric and neonatal conditions (CONE) are eligible for this designation.
The initiative is aligned with the Strategic Health Plan II, which seeks to improve access and decentralize health services. It emphasizes support from birth, including exclusive breastfeeding up to six months when possible. CES-Hospital Snopek’s effort involves both clinical and administrative teams across maternity, nutrition, administration, patient management, security, and other departments.
“After two years of work, in October Jujuy requested the external evaluation for CES-Snopek to be accredited as a Hospital Amigo de la Madre y el Niño that prioritizes breastfeeding. The evaluation took place in person from November 10 to 12 with evaluators accredited by the national government from Salta and Catamarca provinces, and we are awaiting results,” said Claudia Montenovi, head of Nutrition at the Provincial Directorate of Maternity, Childhood and Adolescence.
She added: “The possibility of this certification is an example of Jujuy’s health policies taking action for future health since prioritizing child nutrition starts at birth.” Montenovi also highlighted “the participation of the entire team throughout each stage of the process as well as across the province where commitment to nutrition is reaffirmed.” She expressed gratitude to provincial director Claudia Castro; CES-Snopek director Paola Rondón; the Breastfeeding Committee at Maternidad Scaro; and authorities from Prenatal Health and Nutrition at the national level.
Evaluator Priscila Carosella from Catamarca’s Directorate of Maternity, Childhood and Adolescence explained: “Institutions requesting evaluation fall within a national strategy promoting breastfeeding that requires commitment to encourage it across all health settings.” She noted: “The ‘Hospital Amigo’ status impacts communities by safeguarding maternal health during pregnancy and postpartum periods while keeping both clinical and non-clinical teams updated on breastfeeding guidelines. It also serves as a reference nationwide within laws protecting breastfeeding, respectful childbirth, and early childhood.”
