In recognition of World Breastfeeding Week 2023, global health organizations have applauded the strides made by numerous countries in amplifying exclusive breastfeeding rates. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) highlighted the increase in breastfeeding, particularly in workplaces. Despite the advancements, they stress the need for further progress if breastfeeding is protected and supported on all fronts.
The Significance of World Breastfeeding Week
Annually celebrated during the first week of August, World Breastfeeding Week commemorates the landmark 1990 Innocenti Declaration. This crucial agreement witnessed government policymakers, United Nations health agencies, and various other bodies pledging to protect, advance, and aid breastfeeding. In the subsequent year, the international network known as the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) was established. Starting from 1992, Breastfeeding Week has been marked annually around the globe.
Since 2016, World Breastfeeding Week has been linked with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Breastfeeding plays a significant role in realizing several of the SDGs, including goals concerned with poverty, hunger, health, education, gender equality, and sustainable consumption.
Theme 2023: Making Breastfeeding in the Workplace Successful
The theme for 2023, “Let’s make breastfeeding at work, work”, underlines the importance of supporting breastfeeding mothers in the workplace, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts from different sectors. UNICEF and WHO urged governments, donors, civil society, and the private sector to intensify efforts in eradicating obstacles that hinder women and families in achieving their breastfeeding targets. All these efforts are part of an endeavour to meet the global 2030 target of a 70% breastfeeding rate.
The Rise in Exclusive Breastfeeding Rates
Exclusive breastfeeding is the practice where infants are fed solely on breast milk, disallowing all other foods, liquids, infant formula, or water, barring necessary medications and vitamin or mineral supplements. This practice offers significant health benefits to newborns, such as safeguarding against common infectious diseases, strengthening their immune systems, and providing the essential nutrients needed for their ideal growth and development. Over the past ten years, the global percentage of exclusive breastfeeding has admirably grown by 10% points, attaining a rate of 48%.
Initiatives by the Indian Government to Promote Breastfeeding
India has launched numerous initiatives to advocate breastfeeding, such as MAA – “Mothers’ Absolute Affection”. This countrywide scheme under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is designed to promote breastfeeding.
Another major initiative is Vatsalya – Maatri Amrit Kosh, a National Human Milk Bank and Lactation Counselling Centre. This initiative was set up in partnership with the Norwegian government to provide assistance and support to breastfeeding women across the nation.
