What significant healthcare achievement did Dr. Armida Fernandez establish in 1989?

Dr. Armida Fernandez established Asia's first human milk bank in 1989.

How did Dr. Armida Fernandez address high neonatal mortality rates?

Dr. Fernandez reduced neonatal mortality by addressing infections from formula milk and bottles and by promoting and facilitating the use of mother's milk, including establishing a human milk bank.

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83-Year-Old Doctor's Legacy: Saving Newborns, Inspiring Palliative Care

Q: What is SNEHA, and what services does it offer?

SNEHA is an organization co-founded by Dr. Fernandez that focuses on maternal and newborn health, child nutrition, and violence against women, and now also provides palliative and dementia care services.

26 Jan

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Summary

Established Asia's first human milk bank in 1989.
Transformed neonatal care, drastically reducing mortality rates.
Expanded SNEHA to offer palliative and dementia care services.

83-Year-Old Doctor's Legacy: Saving Newborns, Inspiring Palliative Care

Dr. Armida Fernandez, an 83-year-old neonatologist and Padma Shri awardee, has profoundly impacted healthcare in India. Her career began in the early 1970s, tackling extremely high neonatal mortality rates. She identified formula milk and bottles as sources of infection and championed the critical role of mother's milk, establishing Asia's first human milk bank in 1989. This initiative, supported by various partners, ensured vulnerable newborns received vital nutrition and immunity.

Dr. Fernandez realized hospital-based care alone was insufficient and moved into communities like Dharavi. There, she co-founded SNEHA (Society for Nutrition, Education and Health Action) to address maternal and newborn health, child nutrition, and violence against women. Today, SNEHA supports over 500 individuals.