By Phenyo Selinda
Johannesburg – The Department of Health, in partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef), is set to launch World Breastfeeding Awareness Week on Thursday. This year’s theme, ‘Closing the gap: Breastfeeding support for all,’ aims to shine a spotlight on the importance of supporting breastfeeding to reduce inequalities and discrimination, especially during emergencies and crises.
Global Theme and Objectives
The theme for World Breastfeeding Week 2024 underscores the need to strengthen support systems for breastfeeding mothers. It highlights the crucial role of breastfeeding in promoting health and well-being for both mothers and children. The campaign seeks to engage families, communities, and employers to create supportive environments where mothers can breastfeed anytime, anywhere without fear of harassment or discrimination.
Raising Awareness and Encouraging Support
World Breastfeeding Week, celebrated annually from 1 – 7 August, aims to raise awareness about the significant benefits of breastfeeding. It encourages communities to support breastfeeding mothers, recognising that breastfeeding is not just a personal choice but a public health imperative.
“Breastfeeding mothers are often subjected to harassment and other forms of discrimination when they feed their babies in public places,” the Department of Health stated. This campaign will engage various stakeholders to promote, protect, and support breastfeeding, aiming to reduce inequalities in breastfeeding support with a focus on vulnerable groups.
South Africa’s Progress and Goals
South Africa has made notable progress in improving the rates of exclusive breastfeeding among children under six months, achieving a rate of 32% in 2016. However, the latest National Food and Nutrition Security Survey (NFNSS) report of 2024 indicated a decline to 22.2%. The country is committed to reaching the global Sustainable Development Goal of increasing exclusive breastfeeding rates to at least 50% by 2025.
Health Benefits of Breastfeeding
The Department of Health emphasised that exclusive breastfeeding remains a cornerstone of child survival and health. “Exclusive breastfeeding provides essential, unique nutrition for optimal growth and cognitive development,” the department noted. It serves as a child’s first immunisation, offering protection against respiratory infections, diarrhoeal disease, and other potentially life-threatening conditions.
For mothers, breastfeeding reduces the risk of developing chronic diseases such as breast and ovarian cancer, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. However, the department stresses that breastfeeding success should not rest solely on the mother’s shoulders. Supportive environments and societal attitudes play a critical role in enabling successful breastfeeding.
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