Malawi Health Ministry Aims to Boost Breastfeeding Support Nationwide
The ministry called for continued technical and financial support from partners to protect and promote breastfeeding.
SALIMA, Malawi — Malawi's Ministry of Health has pledged to address obstacles affecting breastfeeding practices, emphasizing the need for a supportive environment for nursing mothers, writes Wendi Mkandawire.
At the 2024 World Breastfeeding Week commemoration in Salima District on Thursday, Deputy Minister of Health Halima Daud highlighted the irreplaceable benefits of breast milk.
"Breast milk is the ideal food for the baby and cannot be substituted with anything else," Daud said.
"It gives the baby the best start in life."
The event, themed "Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All," aims to remove barriers to optimal breastfeeding.
Malawi has seen a decline in breastfeeding rates from 71% in 2010 to 61% in 2016, underscoring the theme's relevance.
Dr. Charity Zvandaziva, chief nutrition officer for UNICEF Malawi, noted disparities between urban and rural areas.
"Urban women, especially those working, need to be given space to breastfeed their children," Zvandaziva said.
The ministry called for continued technical and financial support from partners to protect and promote breastfeeding.
Objectives for this year's campaign include informing the public about inequalities in breastfeeding support, engaging organizations to enhance collaboration, and galvanizing action to reduce disparities, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Officials did not announce specific policy changes or funding allocations to address these goals.