THE World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended that mothers with confirmed COVID-19 infection can still breastfeed saying the benefits of doing so substantially outweighed the potential risks of transmitting the virus to their children.
In a joint statement with the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) to mark breastfeeding week, WHO said as long as the mothers practised regular hygiene and prevention practices, breastfeeding was the best option in the face of increased child malnutrition.
World Breastfeeding Week is held every year from August 1 to 7 in more than 120 countries.
The Health ministry also advised breastfeeding mothers against weaning their babies after testing positive to COVID-19.