Health Ministry, WHO and UNICEF celebrate World Breastfeeding Week

AMMAN — The Ministry of Health, the World Health Organisation and UNICEF on Sunday marked the beginning of the World Breastfeeding Week.  

The theme of this year’s World Breastfeeding Week is “Protect Breastfeeding: A Shared Responsibility”, reinforcing the importance of collective efforts to promote and protect breastfeeding for every child, according to a UNICEF statement.

“The Ministry of Health of Jordan through the Primary Healthcare Administration is committed to promoting breast feeding as a best start in life for every newborn,” said Ghazi Sharkas, assistant secretary general for Primary Healthcare at the Health Ministry.

This year, the world is marking the 40th anniversary of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes. The code is a landmark policy framework aimed to effectively manage the sale of breast milk substitutes and avoid the negative impact on the rates of breastfeeding, which undermines the health and nutrition of Jordan’s youngest population, the statement said.

In Jordan, while more than nine out of 10 children were breastfed at some point in their young lives, only 26 percent   of children were exclusively breastfed (fed nothing but breast milk) during the first six months of life. 

This rate in Jordan is much lower than the regional average of 34 percent, the statement said.

“This year’s celebration of World Breastfeeding Week is a stark reminder to the importance of breastfeeding, which provides high quality nutrients and energy for newborns, infants and children under the age of two years,” said Tanya Chapuisat, UNICEF Jordan Representative.  

“To reach the sustainable development goals by 2030, UNICEF will continue to support the Ministry of Health in promoting and protecting breastfeeding practices, and overall child nutrition,” she said.

Breastfeeding is the best food for newborns and infants. Research has shown that adolescents and adults who were breastfed are less likely to be overweight or obese and demonstrate improved IQ test results, the statement said.

Studies have proved that breastfeeding is good for mothers, as well as for children. It not only reduces the risk of postpartum depression and diabetes, but also lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancer later in life, according to the statement.

“Today is an opportunity to highlight the progress made in promoting and supporting breastfeeding for its incomparable benefits as a best start in life for every child,” said Jamela Al Raiby, acting WHO Representative to Jordan. 

“Yet, to lay emphasis on protecting breastfeeding and the need for more collective work to be accomplished,” Raiby said.

The US Department Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration and USAID have generously contributed to the project.  With their support, and under the leadership of the Ministry of Health, UNICEF and WHO are implementing the national breast-feeding interventions as part of the overall maternal and child health programme, the statement said.