UNICEF and WHO Urge for Equal Access to Breastfeeding Support on World Breastfeeding Week

For this year’s World Breastfeeding Week, running from August 1 to August 7, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are calling for enhanced global support for breastfeeding.

The appeal, voiced by UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell and WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, highlights a notable increase in exclusive breastfeeding rates over the past 12 years, now at 48% for infants under six months. This rise brings the world closer to the WHO’s 2025 target of 50%.

Despite this progress, significant challenges persist. Proper breastfeeding support can save over 820,000 children’s lives annually and is crucial for protecting infants’ health during emergencies by providing a reliable, nutritious food source. Breastfeeding also benefits mothers by reducing the risk of certain cancers and noncommunicable diseases.

This year’s theme, “Closing the gap: Breastfeeding support for all,” emphasises the need for equitable support systems. To advance breastfeeding support, UNICEF and WHO advocate for increased investment in relevant programs, family-friendly workplace policies, and robust monitoring of breastfeeding practices and policies.