Number of Infants Using Donor Milk Exceeds 1,400 in FY2025
In fiscal year 2025, the number of infants utilizing donor milk from milk banks in Japan reached 1,401, a 15% increase from the previous year, with access expanding to 131 facilities across 45 prefectures.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 20, 2026 at 19:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 20, 2026 at 10:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 20, 2026 at 10:39 (7 min after Collected)
In Japan, milk bank operations are managed by two organizations: The Nippon Foundation Milk Bank and the Japan Human Milk Bank Association, covering three facilities: the Nihonbashi Bank, The Nippon Foundation Milk Bank, and the Fujita Health University Hospital Nippon Foundation Milk Bank (as of April 2026). Data from fiscal year 2025 (April 2025 to March 2026) shows that 1,401 infants used donor milk from these banks. This represents a 15% increase from the 1,214 infants in the previous year. Additionally, the number of hospitals utilizing donor milk increased to 131 facilities across 45 prefectures by the end of March 2026, compared to 114 the previous year. While the number of infants and hospitals using donor milk has grown steadily, the number of completed donor registrations remained stagnant at 743 (748 in the previous year). To ensure a stable supply for all infants in need, increasing the number of donor registration facilities and securing a stable stream of new donors remains a key priority.
FAQ
What is donor milk from a milk bank?
It is breast milk donated by nursing mothers, pasteurized, tested, and frozen for use by preterm and very low birth weight infants in NICUs.
How many babies used donor milk in FY2025?
1,401 babies used donor milk in Japan, an increase of about 15% from the previous year.
How many hospitals can use donor milk?
As of the end of March 2026, it is available in 131 facilities across 45 prefectures.