GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) – Collective Prevention Services (CPS) has successfully concluded its 2026 World Breastfeeding Week activities, culminating in the 3rd Annual Moms’ Health Fair, held on Saturday, August 8, 2026.
This year’s activities were held under the theme “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.” The theme highlighted the importance of strengthening the support systems already available to mothers, children, and families within the community.
CPS participated in World Breastfeeding Week in collaboration with the Sint Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) and the White and Yellow Cross Care Foundation (WYCCF). While each institution coordinated and implemented its own program of activities, CPS participated in partner-led activities throughout the week, including SMMC’s Sip & Paint and WYCCF’s Story Time.
CPS led two main initiatives during the observance: the Breastfeeding Awareness Campaign and the 3rd Annual Moms’ Health Fair.
For 2026, CPS held a Breastfeeding Awareness Campaign, which was launched on July 25, 2026, and continued through August 7, 2026. Mothers were encouraged to share a breastfeeding photo on Facebook, tag Collective Prevention Services, and encourage their friends and family to engage with their posts. Yosheira Euson received the highest engagement, with 325 likes, and was awarded a brunch for two, courtesy of Oyster Pond Beach Resort/Infinity Restaurant. The prize was presented during the Moms’ Health Fair.
CPS hopes to continue developing the awareness campaign and encourage greater participation from the community in future years.
The 3rd Annual Moms’ Health Fair was held on Saturday, August 8, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Aleeze Convention Center. The fair was designed to bring together organizations and professionals that provide information, guidance, and support to parents, children, and families throughout their parenting journey.
A total of 23 vendors registered, with 19 vendors participating on the day of the event. Attendees had the opportunity to meet directly with service providers, ask questions, learn about available resources, and receive guidance on how to access services within the community.
The program provided attendees with both professional information and personal perspectives on breastfeeding and parenting.
Stichting Building Bridges Saving Lives Intern Midwife Gesner-Orlando Simon provided information on breastfeeding challenges and the importance of proper attachment, offered practical guidance to mothers on positioning and supporting effective breastfeeding.
Pediatric Physical Therapist Juanita Tjon-A-Sam presented on “No Physical Health Without Mental Health,” highlighted the relationship between physical and mental well-being and the role of a supportive environment in healthy development for both mother and child.
The program also featured the perspectives of three mothers: Ms. Ramonda Hanze, Ms. Stephanie Carty and Ms. Rebecca Brent who openly shared their individual breastfeeding experiences.
Their stories highlighted the difference between learning about breastfeeding in theory and experiencing it firsthand.
The Mom’s Health Fair was attended by Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina and Minister of VSA Claret Connor who provided a brief welcome address.
CPS recognizes the importance of continuing this initiative and strengthening community participation in future World Breastfeeding Week activities.
The 2026 observance demonstrated that bringing information, services, professional guidance, and lived experiences together can help families better understand the resources available to them.
Collective Prevention Services extends sincere appreciation to all collaborators, sponsors, vendors, speakers, volunteers, mothers who shared their experiences, staff members, and members of the public who contributed to the success of World Breastfeeding Week 2026.
CPS remains committed to promoting breastfeeding, supporting parents and caregivers, and strengthening the community support systems that help children get a sustainable start in life.
