Director-General of WHO’s Message on Breastfeeding Week
shared a post on LinkedIn:
“Breastfeeding is easier when mothers have support.
As World Breastfeeding Week starts today, World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF call for:
1) countries to invest in programmes and policies that support breastfeeding, including reliable, empathetic healthcare support;
2) governments and employers to ensure family-friendly workplaces, with paid maternity leave, breastfeeding spaces and breaks, as well as access to affordable, high-quality childcare;
3) countries to develop and enforce laws to restrict the marketing of breast-milk substitutes, with monitoring to routinely report Code violations.
UNICEF Chief and my full statement.”
The article, featuring a statement by Catherine Russell (UNICEF Executive Director) and Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (WHO Director-General), highlights the global increase in exclusive breastfeeding rates for infants under six months, now at 48%. This progress moves closer to the WHO’s 2025 target of 50%. Despite advances, challenges remain in supporting mothers, which is crucial as breastfeeding could save over 820,000 children’s lives annually and offers significant health benefits.
World Breastfeeding Week, themed “Closing the gap: Breastfeeding support for all,” emphasizes reducing health inequities through better breastfeeding support. Over half the world lacks essential health services, stressing the need for comprehensive support and trained health professionals.
The article calls for increased investment in breastfeeding programs, family-friendly workplace policies, targeted support for at-risk mothers, improved data collection on breastfeeding rates, and stricter regulation of breast-milk substitute marketing. Collaborative efforts from families, communities, healthcare workers, and policymakers are essential to protect and support breastfeeding.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), a position he has held since 2017. In this role, he has led global health initiatives and responses to public health emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Previously, Dr. Tedros served as Ethiopia’s Minister of Health, where he significantly improved healthcare infrastructure and expanded access to health services. He also served as Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, strengthening international diplomatic relations and advocating for health as a key component of global development.