WHO calls to invest in health systems, policies to benefit mums, babies on world breastfeeding week
By Anjali Sharma
UNITED NATIONS – World health agency on Friday marked the World Breastfeeding Week and this year’s theme called to invest in health systems as well as policies, laws and programmes that prioritize women, babies and breastfeeding.
WHO said investing in breastfeeding support is one of the most powerful tools policy-makers have to improve public health, strengthen economies, and secure the well-being of future generations.
UN agency explained that breastfeeding protects child health and improves survival, especially in the first months of life.
Breast milk is more than food: it also provides protection against many common illnesses like diarrhoea, pneumonia and infections, WHO stated.
It stressed that mothers also benefit as breastfeeding reduces the risk of postpartum haemorrhage, as well as breast and ovarian cancers, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
WHO urged governments to allocate dedicated funding for breastfeeding support, including for when new mums come home, along with maternity protections like paid leave after giving birth.
