WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK 2023

 

Latest Context

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) lauded the progress made by several countries in increasing exclusive breastfeeding rates on the occasion of World Breastfeeding Week 2023. They also pointed out the potential for further advancements if breastfeeding is protected and supported, particularly in the workplace.

 

World Breastfeeding Week

• In the commemoration of the 1990 Innocenti Declaration, it is observed on an annual basis during the first week of August. 
• The Innocenti Declaration was signed by the policymakers, UN health agencies, and other organizations for protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding in 1990.
• The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) was formed in 1991 as a global network, and since 1992, on an annual basis, the world has marked Breastfeeding Week.
• WBW has been aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) since 2016. It helps in achieving many 17 SDGs comprising goals on poverty, hunger, health, education, gender equality, and sustainable consumption.

 

Theme 2023: "Let's make breastfeeding at work, work”.

• UNICEF and WHO urged the governments, donors, civil society and the private sector for speeding up efforts in order to help in eliminating barriers women and families face in achieving their breastfeeding goals and reaching the global 2030 target of 70%.

Progress in Exclusive Breastfeeding Rates

• It comprises feeding babies only on breast milk and excluding all other foods, liquids, infant formula, or water, barring necessary medications or vitamin and mineral supplements.
• It proffers very crucial health benefits to infants, comprising protection against common infectious diseases and bolstering their immune systems, ensuring they receive essential nutrients for optimal growth and development.
• The global rate of exclusive breastfeeding has increased by an impressive 10% points, reaching 48% over the past decade.

Indian Policy Measures Relating to Breastfeeding

• MAA is a nationwide program of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to promote breastfeeding.
• Vatsalya – Maatri Amrit Kosh
• MAA - "Mothers Absolute Affection"
• In collaboration with the Norwegian government, National Human Milk Bank and Lactation Counselling Centre named Vatsalya has been established.

 

 

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