WHO EMRO | World Breastfeeding Week 2025
Since its inception in 1992, World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) has been celebrated annually during the first week of August, emphasizing the critical role of breastfeeding in promoting lifelong health. This year, the campaign, themed “Invest in breastfeeding, invest in the future,” highlights the essential support that mothers and infants require from healthcare systems throughout their breastfeeding journey. With backing from the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and various health ministries, WBW aims to raise awareness among the public and policymakers about the importance of breastfeeding for child health and development.
Importance of Breastfeeding Support
Breastfeeding is vital for child health, particularly in the early months of life. It not only provides essential nutrition but also delivers antibodies that help protect infants from common illnesses such as diarrhea, pneumonia, and infections. To ensure that every mother can breastfeed for as long as she desires, it is crucial that healthcare systems offer skilled and continuous support from pregnancy through early childhood. This includes providing mothers with the necessary information and resources to navigate their breastfeeding journey effectively.
Policies and programs must prioritize the needs of women and infants, ensuring that communities uphold the right of every mother and baby to breastfeed. By integrating breastfeeding into national health strategies and enforcing regulations that protect breastfeeding practices, countries can create an environment that supports breastfeeding mothers. This commitment is essential for improving breastfeeding rates and ensuring that infants receive the best possible start in life.
Global Progress and Future Goals
Since 2013, there has been a notable increase in the rates of exclusive breastfeeding, with approximately 10% more infants exclusively breastfed at six months. In some countries, this figure has reached as high as 20%. However, there is still much work to be done to further improve these rates. Countries are encouraged to lead by example by incorporating breastfeeding into their national health strategies and ensuring accountability through effective legislation and monitoring of breastfeeding programs.
To protect breastfeeding from commercial influences, it is essential to prioritize policies that prevent the marketing of breast-milk substitutes. The International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes must be strictly enforced to ensure that the health of infants is placed above corporate interests. By taking these steps, nations can significantly enhance the support available to breastfeeding mothers and their children.
Community and Workplace Support
Support for breastfeeding mothers extends beyond healthcare systems; friends, employers, and communities all play a crucial role. Increased funding for comprehensive breastfeeding programs, improved monitoring systems to track breastfeeding trends, and strengthened maternity and paternity leave provisions can all contribute to a supportive environment for breastfeeding. Additionally, enhancing breastfeeding counseling and support within healthcare facilities is vital for helping mothers succeed in their breastfeeding efforts.
These investments not only benefit children and mothers but also have broader implications for communities. By reducing healthcare costs, boosting cognitive development, and strengthening economies, supporting breastfeeding can lead to healthier populations and more resilient societies. Every child deserves the healthiest beginning possible, and collective efforts can help make this a reality.
Call to Action
As World Breastfeeding Week approaches, it serves as a reminder of the importance of investing in breastfeeding for the future. The campaign encourages individuals and organizations to step up their support for breastfeeding mothers. By advocating for better policies, providing resources, and fostering a culture of support, we can ensure that every mother has the opportunity to breastfeed successfully. Together, we can create a healthier future for children, mothers, and communities worldwide.
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