Operational and Systemic Challenges in Human Milk Banking

Abstract

Human milk banks (HMBs) are necessary for providing donor human milk (DHM) to vulnerable infants, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Nevertheless, human milk banks face significant challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, insufficient healthcare worker training, limited standardized guidelines, financial constraints, and ethical and safety concerns. These barriers suppress the efficient operation and sustainability of human milk banking, particularly in resource-limited settings. This review synthesizes findings from fifteen studies to highlight these challenges and proffer solutions, including investing in infrastructure, developing standardized protocols, increasing funding, and enhancing training programs. Addressing these issues is essential to ensure the readily availability of safe and high-quality donor human milk for vulnerable infants, especially in low- and middle-income countries where the need is greatest.