By Fatuma Kalume
The Ministry of Health of the Government of Kenya has launched a number of programs and policies to encourage breastfeeding.
These consist of the Baby Friendly Community and Hospital Initiatives, BMS regulations, and MIYCN recommendations. There are still implementation gaps despite advancements.
The Ministry of Health Kenya urges people to come together to close these gaps and assist all moms in nursing whenever and wherever they want.
The World Health Organization gave out a couple of important breastfeeding tips. Such as, breastfeeding from the first hour of life, exclusively for six months, and continued for two years or more, helps prevent illnesses, supports growth and boosts brain development.
They also stated that mothers need access to breastfeeding support from their families, friends, work, health workers and even the government throughout their breastfeeding journey and they should never feel ashamed to breastfeed their babies; it provides important nutrients, build a stronger immune system and protect against obesity.
The Organization also asks states that the simplest acts such as offering a glass of water, chatting with them, or offering a comfortable space can all help to respect the rights of mums to breastfeed anytime, anywhere.
In a joint statement released by UNICEF Executive Director, Catherine Russel, and WHO Director General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus they call for equal access to breastfeeding support.
“When mothers receive the support they need to breastfeed their babies, everyone benefits. Improving breastfeeding rates could save over 820 000 children’s lives each year, according to the latest available data,” states UNICEF Executive Director.
They state that in the last 12 years, the number of infants under six months of age globally who are exclusively breastfed has increased by more than 10 per cent.
According to UNICEF Executive Director and WHO Director General 48 per cent of infants worldwide now benefit from this healthy start in life.
“In the last 12 years, the number of infants under six months of age globally who are exclusively breastfed has increased by more than 10 per cent. This means 48 per cent of infants worldwide now benefit from this healthy start in life. It translates to hundreds of thousands of babies whose lives have been saved by breastfeeding,” read the statement.
Breastfeeding reduces the burden of childhood illness, and the risk of certain types of cancers and noncommunicable diseases for mothers.
‘‘An estimated 4.5 billion people — that’s more than half of the world’s population — do not have full coverage of essential health services, so many women do not receive the support they need to optimally breastfeed their babies. This includes access to trained, empathetic and respectful health advice and counselling throughout a woman’s breastfeeding journey,’’ read the statement.
To support progress the organizations suggest that;
• Data on policy initiatives supporting breastfeeding, including family-friendly employment regulations, regulation of breastmilk substitute marketing, and investment in breastfeeding, is needed.
• Increasing funding through specialized national budgets for initiatives and regulations that safeguard and promote breastfeeding.
• Enacting and overseeing family-friendly workplace regulations, such as paid maternity leave, breaks for nursing, and availability of reasonably priced, high-quality childcare.
• Ensuring that breastfeeding protection and support, including prompt and effective breastfeeding advice as part of routine health coverage, are provided to women who are at-risk in emergencies or under-represented populations.
This years’ World Breastfeeding Week, is under the theme “Closing the gap: Breastfeeding support for all,” UNICEF and WHO are emphasizing the need to improve breastfeeding support as a critical action for reducing health inequity and protecting the rights of mothers and babies to survive and thrive.