Breastfeeding has long been recognised as an important contributor to child nutrition, health and survival and as such needs to be protected, promoted and supported throughout the Region and worldwide.
Breastfeeding reduces the risk of malnutrition (under and over nutrition) 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 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. 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 that mothers receive, whether it be at home, within their communities and/or at work. This year, World Breastfeeding Week will focus on the need to improve breastfeeding support at all levels, thereby reducing any inequalities that exist in our societies, with a special focus on breastfeeding in times of emergencies and crises.”
Breastfeeding is more important than ever during emergencies whether they are natural, man-made, or public health. Breastmilk supplies infants with a 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 the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding 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 the whole of society. There is a need for government and policymakers to enact laws and policies for all public spaces, including workplaces, to become breastfeeding-friendly by providing maternity and paternity leave as well as designated places for breastfeeding and 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, 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, 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 are also protecting human rights and taking important steps towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, leaving no one behind in the post pandemic world.