Breastfeeding: A smart investment
Breastfeeding is a vital part of providing every child with the healthiest start in life. It is a baby’s first vaccine and best source of nutrition, and can bolster brain development.
Breastfeeding also nurtures national economies. Increased rates of breastfeeding can improve a country’s prosperity by lowering healthcare costs and producing stronger, more able workforces.
But breastfeeding is not just a one-woman job. It requires encouragement and support from skilled counsellors, family members, health care providers, employers, policymakers and others.
By investing US$570 million a year for the next 10 years, governments, donors and partners can help raise the rate of exclusive breastfeeding to at least 50 per cent.
A global breastfeeding call to action
The Global Breastfeeding Collective calls for increased financing and better implementation of policies, programmes and interventions to provide mothers the support they need to breastfeed.
Governments can take seven actions to drive progress on breastfeeding and raise the global rate of exclusive breastfeeding to at least 50 per cent by 2025.
1. Increase funding to raise the rate of breastfeeding from birth to 2 years.
2. Adopt and monitor the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes.
3. Enact paid family leave and workplace breastfeeding policies.
4. Implement the ‘Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding’ in maternity facilities.
5. Improve access to skilled breastfeeding counselling in health facilities.
6. Strengthen links between health facilities and communities to support breastfeeding.
7. Monitor the progress of policies, programmes and funding for breastfeeding.
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