WINDHOEK, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Namibia's Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) officially inaugurated the country's Breast Milk Bank (NBMB) on Monday in Windhoek.

The bank which has been operational since April 2018, has fed well over 100 premature babies to date, according to the NBMB.

At the inauguration, the Executive Director at the Health Ministry, Ben Nangombe, stressed on the importance of breastfeeding and what impact this has on the health and well-being of children.

"Babies that are breastfed have a higher chance of a healthier life. The bank has the potential to contribute significantly to the overall well-being of our babies, who are our future leaders," he added.

According to NBMB Director, Clarissa Pieper one of the challenges the bank has encountered is the lack of breast milk donors.

"Natural breast milk is much healthier than formula milk and contributes significantly to the baby's physical and mental development," she added, while calling for support to the bank.

According to statistics from the bank, from April 2018 until April 2019, the NBMB has provided pasteurized breast milk to approximately 100 babies of which about 60 are from state hospital referrals and the rest are from the private sector.