World Breastfeeding Week is commemorated in South Sudan from August 1 to August 7 each year. This year, the Ministry of Health and UNICEF have emphasized the importance of breastfeeding as a critical component of infant nutrition and health. This year’s observance theme is “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All,” which aims to promote public awareness about exclusive breastfeeding and its benefits.
This week, Health officials, including South Sudan’s Health Minister Yolanda Awel Deng, have urged mothers to exclusively breastfeed their newborns for the first six months of life. They highlight that breastfeeding not only provides essential nutrients but also strengthens the baby’s immune system and offers psychological support through bonding between mother and child.
The country has made significant progress in increasing rates of exclusive breastfeeding among infants under six months, rising from 45% in 2010 to 60% in 2023. However, challenges remain, as four out of ten newborns still do not receive adequate breastfeeding support during this crucial period.
Efforts are being made to address inequalities in breastfeeding support through improved policies and community engagement. The government and organizations like UNICEF are advocating for better workplace policies for lactating mothers, including extended maternity leave and facilities that support breastfeeding.
Health Minister Yolanda Awel Deng has said mother’s milk is the best way to give babies a healthy start in life.
Speaking on the occasion to mark World Breastfeeding Week in Juba on Thursday, Deng urged mothers to exclusively breastfeed their newborns for six months to guarantee their healthy development.
“We have got laws in South Sudan to protect mothers, but those laws must be implemented. The health, the social and economic benefit of breastfeeding for a child and mother have been established across the world,” she said.
“When you breastfeed, sometimes it helps you mentally, emotionally and physically. Most of the women that breastfeed absolutely for the first six months are very healthy.”
UNICEF Representative in South Sudan Hamida Lasseko re-emphasized that breastfeeding contributes to the development and strengthening of the baby’s immune system.
” I am just re-emphasizing that breastfeeding contributes to developing and strengthening the baby’s immune system. However, most importantly, it gives that psychological support” , she said.
The people who have breastfed know what I am referring to by the psychological support, she added, pointing out that the eye contact between the baby and the mother during breastfeeding leaves a life-long impression.
WHO Representative Dr Humphrey Karamagi said nutrition remained a huge challenge in South Sudan.
“While a lot of progress has been made in South Sudan, I think we still have quite a long way to go. We need to double our efforts to be able to improve this situation. We know nutrition is a huge challenge in life within South Sudan,” Karamagi said.
Held under the theme; Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All, the day is dedicated to promoting public awareness of exclusive breastfeeding and infant nutrition.
Breastmilk, experts say, is a nutritional powerhouse for infants, providing all the essential nutrients in the first six months of life to two years.
It acts as a powerful immunization against life-threatening diseases, preventing diarrhea and respiratory infections.