Boosting Public Health: Invest in Breastfeeding Support

In a resolute call to action, the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified investment in breastfeeding support as a key strategy for enhancing public health, stimulating economic growth, and ensuring the health of future generations. As World Breastfeeding Week kicks off, WHO highlighted the critical role breastfeeding plays in improving child survival rates, particularly in the early months of life.

Breast milk serves a dual function for infants, acting as both a nutritional source and a protective shield against common illnesses such as diarrhea, pneumonia, and infections. Mothers also stand to gain significantly; breastfeeding is linked to reduced risks of postpartum hemorrhage, as well as breast and ovarian cancers, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.

The theme for this year's World Breastfeeding Week stresses the urgent need for investments in health systems and legislative frameworks that prioritize the needs of women, infants, and breastfeeding advancement. WHO urges state governments to assign specific funds to support breastfeeding initiatives, inclusive of provisions for new mothers returning home and maternity protections like paid leave.

(With inputs from agencies.)