Breastfeeding Week commenced with an emphasis on enhancing awareness and support for breastfeeding, a fundamental practice that significantly benefits both infants and mothers, as highlighted by Consultant Paediatrician Dr. Ilisapeci Vereti. She classified breastfeeding not only as essential for infant health but also as a “climate-smart choice” in comparison to formula feeding, which has a larger environmental impact.
Dr. Vereti pointed out that breast milk is a renewable resource, providing optimal nutrition that strengthens the immune systems of infants and decreases health risks for mothers, all while nurturing close emotional bonds. This year’s theme, “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create a Sustainable Support System,” calls for united efforts to enhance global breastfeeding rates, which remain disappointing despite recognized health benefits for both babies and mothers.
This discussion about breastfeeding dovetails with broader health campaigns emphasizing maternal and infant health, akin to recent initiatives led by the World Health Organization (WHO) calling for improved healthcare for mothers and newborns worldwide. Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, has stressed the importance of quality healthcare for mothers and newborns as critical indicators of effective healthcare systems.
Moreover, the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI), a project supported by WHO and UNICEF, aims to promote breastfeeding in early childhood, further reinforcing efforts to improve child health. This movement aligns with ongoing efforts to combat rising rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by focusing on nutrition during a child’s first 1,000 days of life.
Such collective efforts to uplift breastfeeding practices and maternal health provide not only hope but actionable pathways to create healthier futures for families globally, addressing both health and environmental sustainability.
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