Tehran – At the same time as World Breastfeeding Week (WBW), the Ministry of Health is observing the week across the country, with the theme of “Breastfeeding: Today’s Priorities, Health for Tomorrow” from August 1st to 7th.
This week highlights breastfeeding as a strong foundation for lifelong health, development and equity. The aim is to raise public awareness about the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, supporting breastfeeding mothers, improving infant nutrition indicators, and strengthening the role of intersectoral partnerships in promoting breastfeeding, the IRNA reported.
Days of the week are concentrated on the following themes:
Friday, August 1st, “Use the most of media, cyberspace to educate your mothers and educate your family.”
Saturday, August 2nd, “Breastfeeding Counseling Priorities for Breastfeeding Maintenance, Support and Promotion.”
Sunday, August 3rd, “Promoting breastfeeding and creating a healthy environment”
Monday, August 4th, “Breastfeeding Prioritization and Family Health”
On Tuesday, August 5th, “Supporting breastfeeding from the perspective of a manager”
On Wednesday, August 6th, “Health Policymakers Support Breastfeeding”
Thursday, August 7th, “Continuous surveillance of companies that produce powdered milk, and other alternatives.”
Breastfeeding not only contributes to the significant growth and safety of the infant, but also increases national productivity and supports mothers’ mental health. It is associated with a lower incidence of chronic diseases in adulthood, including type 1 and 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, resulting in lower infant mortality and health costs.
Since 1992, WBW has been celebrated annually in the first week of August. In 2018, the World Health Assembly resolution approved WBW as an important breastfeeding promotion strategy. Advocated by the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Ministry of Health and civil society partners around the world, WBW helps to remind the public and policymakers that breastfeeding lays the foundation for lifelong health and development.
This year, under the banner “Invest in Breastfeeding, Investing in the Future,” the campaign is highlighting the ongoing support women and babies need from the healthcare system throughout their breastfeeding journey.
All mothers should invest in skilled breastfeeding counseling, implement international marketing codes for breastfeeding alternatives, create an environment at home, at work, support women, and provide Abe, so that they have access to the support and information they need for breastfeeding.
Efforts are required to provide skilled and sustainable support from pregnancy to childhood. Policies, laws, and programs must prioritize women, babies and breastfeeding, and communities must support the breastfeeding rights of all women and babies.
Breastfeeding protects the health of a child and improves survival, especially in the first few months of life. In addition to essential nutrients, it also provides antibodies that protect against common diseases such as diarrhea, pneumonia, and infections.
With proper investment, countries can significantly increase their exclusive breastfeeding rates. Compared to 2013, approximately 10% more babies are breastfeeding only in six months. In some countries, this number reaches 20%.
The country can ensure accountability by integrating breastfeeding into the national health strategy and monitoring the impact of laws, regulations, and breastfeeding programs. Policies that protect breastfeeding and prevent commercial impacts on those fed babies must be prioritized. The baby should be placed on the final line of the company. International marketing norms for breast milk alternatives need to be strictly enforced.
Breastfeeding brings a hopeful future not only to children but also to society. It boosts cognitive development, strengthens the economy, and sets children at a healthy beginning.
MT/