As the world observes the world breastfeeding week, the United Nations children’s agency UNICEF is advocating for mothers around the globe to exclusively breastfeed newborns for at least the first 6 months.
Breastfeeding hailed as key to sustainable development
Women at work need a dignified and supportive environment to breastfeed. #breastfeeding pic.twitter.com/StGnoq94qt— UNICEF (@UNICEF) August 4, 2016
The agency says that more than 800,000 lives could be saved annually as a result.
#Breastfeeding in the 1st hour of life gives babies a healthy start. Meet mothers around the world committed to that https://t.co/Db8a5oE36U— UNICEF (@UNICEF) August 3, 2016
UNICEF has expressed concern over the slow progress that has been made in making this a reality especially in Sub-Saharan Africa.
It says that since 2000, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding in East and Southern Africa has increased by a paltry 10 percent while it has remained unchanged in West and Central Africa, considering the high levels of infant mortality rates of children under 5 years.
Research indicates that a breast feeding child is six times more likely to survive in its first few months.
Breast milk provides the perfect source of early nutrition for babies.
Support #breastfeeding mums anytime, anywhere pic.twitter.com/YK9rMh0qpa— WHO (@WHO) August 3, 2016
The World Breastfeeding week which runs from the 1-7 August, has been commemorated since 1992.
News Agencies