Important Facts For Prelims
World Breastfeeding Week 2023
- 07 Aug 2023
- 3 min read
Why in News?
On the occasion of World Breastfeeding Week 2023, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) lauded the progress made by several countries in increasing exclusive breastfeeding rates, while also highlighting the potential for further advancements if breastfeeding is protected and supported, particularly in the workplace.
What is World Breastfeeding Week?
- World Breastfeeding Week, observed annually during the first week of August in commemoration of the 1990 Innocenti Declaration.
- In 1990, the Innocenti Declaration was signed by government policymakers, UN health agencies, and other organisations to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding.
- In 1991, the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) was formed as a global network, and since 1992, the world has marked Breastfeeding Week, annually.
- Since 2016, WBW has been aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Breastfeeding can help achieve many of the 17 SDGs, including goals on poverty, hunger, health, education, gender equality, and sustainable consumption.
- Since 2016, WBW has been aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Theme 2023: "Let's make breastfeeding at work, work”.
- UNICEF and WHO called on governments, donors, civil society and the private sector to step up efforts to help eliminate barriers women and families face to achieving their breastfeeding goals and reach the global 2030 target of 70%.
What is the Progress in Exclusive Breastfeeding Rates?
- Exclusive breastfeeding involves feeding babies only breast milk and excluding all other foods, liquids, infant formula, or water, except for necessary medications or vitamin and mineral supplements.
- The practice of exclusive breastfeeding offers vital health benefits to infants, including protection against common infectious diseases and bolstering their immune systems, ensuring they receive essential nutrients for optimal growth and development.
- Over the past decade, the global rate of exclusive breastfeeding has risen by an impressive 10% points, reaching 48%.
What are the Indian Government Initiatives Relates to Breastfeeding?
- MAA - "Mothers Absolute Affection"
- MAA is a nationwide programme of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to promote breastfeeding.
- Vatsalya – Maatri Amrit Kosh
- Vatsalya, a National Human Milk Bank and Lactation Counselling Centre has been established in collaboration with the Norwegian government
