Breastfeeding hailed as key to sustainable development

As the world observes the world breastfeeding week, the United Nations children’s agency UNICEF is advocating for mothers around the globe to exclusively breastfeed newborns for at least the first 6 months.

Women at work need a dignified and supportive environment to breastfeed. #breastfeeding pic.twitter.com/StGnoq94qt

— UNICEF (@UNICEF) August 4, 2016

The agency says that more than 800,000 lives could be saved annually as a result.

#Breastfeeding in the 1st hour of life gives babies a healthy start. Meet mothers around the world committed to that https://t.co/Db8a5oE36U

— UNICEF (@UNICEF) August 3, 2016

UNICEF has expressed concern over the slow progress that has been made in making this a reality especially in Sub-Saharan Africa.

It says that since 2000, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding in East and Southern Africa has increased by a paltry 10 percent while it has remained unchanged in West and Central Africa, considering the high levels of infant mortality rates of children under 5 years.

Research indicates that a breast feeding child is six times more likely to survive in its first few months.

Breast milk provides the perfect source of early nutrition for babies.
Support #breastfeeding mums anytime, anywhere pic.twitter.com/YK9rMh0qpa

— WHO (@WHO) August 3, 2016

The World Breastfeeding week which runs from the 1-7 August, has been commemorated since 1992.

News Agencies