Release – Breastfeeding has long been recognised as essential to child nutrition, health, and survival. As such, it needs to be protected, promoted, and supported throughout the Region and worldwide.
Breastfeeding reduces the risk of malnutrition (under and overnutrition) and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) for both the mother and the child. Infants that are breastfed longer have a 13% lower risk of overweight and obesity and a 35% lower risk of type 2 diabetes. Women who breastfeed have reduced risks of postpartum overweight and obesity, 32% lower risk of type 2 diabetes, 37% lower risk of ovarian cancer and 26% lower risk of breast cancer[1]. Non-breastfed infants are at increased risk of malnutrition, diarrhoeal and acute respiratory tract infections and even death.
The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) joins its partners and the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action in celebrating World Breastfeeding Week from 1-7 August 2024, under the theme: “Closing the Gap, Breastfeeding Support for All”.
Dr Lisa Indar, Ad Interim Executive Director at CARPHA, states, “A challenge to breastfeeding remains the level of support mothers receive, whether at home, within their communities and/or at work. This year, World Breastfeeding Week will focus on improving breastfeeding support at all levels, thereby reducing any inequalities in our societies, with a special focus on breastfeeding in emergencies and crises.”
Breastfeeding is more critical than ever during emergencies, whether natural, man-made, or public health. Breastmilk supplies infants with balanced and protective food to guard against infections, which are even more common during emergencies and crises.
“Breastfeeding during emergencies can be especially challenging for mothers, having to cope with displacement from their homes, food insecurity, limited access to clean water and/or disruption to basic health and child-care services. To support mothers during these times, we need to make breastfeeding protection, promotion and support a standard response in emergency and non-emergency situations. This response will ensure that the rights, health and well-being of mothers and their children are not infringed upon,” said Dr Heather Armstrong, Head of Chronic Disease and Injury at CARPHA.
Breastfeeding mothers need support from society as a whole. Government and policymakers must enact laws and policies to make all public spaces, including workplaces, breastfeeding-friendly by providing maternity and paternity leave, designated places for breastfeeding, and facilities for expressing and storing breastmilk.
To protect, promote and support breastfeeding, CARPHA will continue to work with its Member States to implement comprehensive national policies on infant and young child feeding, including guidelines on ensuring appropriate feeding of infants and young children in emergencies and crises.
CARPHA has led training in the WHO/UNICEF 40-Hour Breastfeeding Counselling Course and training of Health Professionals in the 20-Hour Course for Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, as well as implementation and certification. The Agency has also supported Member States with the development of National Infant and Young Child Feeding Policies and hospital Breastfeeding Policies and developed guidelines for anyone involved in the care and management of newborns and pregnant or lactating women suspected of or confirmed to be infected with the COVID-19 virus.
CARPHA calls upon its Member States to take a whole-of-society approach to support breastfeeding and implement and reinforce the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. By protecting and supporting breastfeeding, we also protect human rights and take important steps towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, leaving no one behind in the post-pandemic world.
