Africa-Press – Gambia. The National Nutrition Agency (NaNA) has commemorated World Breastfeeding Week at its office on Thursday.
The period between 1st and 7th of August is celebrated each year as breastfeeding week.
According to Mr Bakary Jallow, the deputy executive director of NaNA, breastfeeding is natural and provides renewable food that is environmentally safe. He states that it is produced and delivered without pollution, packaging, or waste, thus creating a sustainable solution that is good for the planet and its people.
He pointed out that prioritisation and support of breastfeeding has the potential to reduce the growing climate impact of artificial infant feed supply chains, noting that breastfeeding can be challenging when parents are not fully informed and supported. Mr Jallow adds that this year’s World Breastfeeding Week Celebration outlines roles and connects the actors in the warm chain of support for breastfeeding.
The deputy executive director emphasizes that every infant and child has the right to good nutrition according to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. He revealed that the global breastfeeding rate at 6 months stood at 48% in 2023, close to the World Health Assembly target of 50% by 2025. To ensure positive growth and reach the 2030 target of 70% exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months, participation of each actor that makes up the warm chain is crucial.
“In 2022, 45% of child deaths globally are linked to undernutrition. According to the World Health Organization estimates, 149 million children under the age of five are stunted (too short for age), 45 million are wasted (too thin for height), and 37 million are overweight or obese,” he further unearthed.
Coming closer home, he says The Gambia has made progress, and exclusive breastfeeding rates stand at 54%. “However, early initiation within the first hour of birth is still low at 36%. We need to change that not with sporadic campaigns but with systemic sustained interventions.”
Fatou Darboe, a representative from the Ministry of Health, acknowledges that breastfeeding is the foundation of food security, disease prevention, and emotional bonding between the child and the mother. She says it is nature’s first vaccine, the first food system, and the first act of love and protection. She affirmed her ministry’s commitment to working with partners in achieving the well-being of infants and children.
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