Breastfeeding is one of the best investments for saving infant lives and improving the health, social and economic development of individuals and nations. Therefore, breastfeeding is observed during the first week of August every year, to protect, promote and support the breastfeeding, creating an environment suitable for infants and babies for improving their feeding patterns during normal times and in emergencies to ensure that their nutritional needs are met.
Facts:
- Breast milk is the ideal food for infants. It is safe and contains antibodies that help protect infants from common childhood illnesses.
- Breastmilk provides all the energy and nutrients that the infant needs for the first months of life, and it continues to provide up to half or more of a child's nutritional needs during the second half of the first year, and up to one third during the second year of life.
- Breastfed children perform better on intelligence tests, are less likely to be overweight or obese and less prone to diabetes later in life.
- Women who breastfeed also have a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
Objectives:
- Informing people about the links between breastfeeding and the environment.
- Anchoring breastfeeding as a smart decision.
- Engaging with individuals and organizations to achieve greater impact.
- Galvanizing action on improving the health of the planet and people through breastfeeding.
WHO recommendations for breastfeeding of infants up to 2 years of age:
- Early initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth.
- Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby's life.
- Continued breastfeeding up to two years of age or beyond, with the introduction of nutritionally-adequate and safe complementary (solid) foods at six months.
Official date:
- Globally: August 1st-7th, 2020.
- Locally: Dhu al-Hijjah 11th-17th, 1441H.
Theme:
“Support Breastfeeding for a Heathier Planet”