August 1st-7th is the World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) and it is celebrated worldwide every year, in order to protect and encourage breastfeeding. WBW was first celebrated in 1992 and today UNICEF, WHO, FAO, IPA and over 170 countries support it.
Celebrations should mark on-going efforts to learn from achievements and overcome challenges. The annual WBW celebration should be more than a week-long effort. By focusing on a broader context, longer time frame and practical yet ambitious goals, we can create sustainable and engaging campaigns. Let us campaign for a generation!
Dr. Amal Omer-Salim, WABA’s Co-Executive Director
Message from
Dato (Dr.) Anwar Fazal,
Chairperson Emeritus, World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA)
According to WHO, breastfeeding is the best way to provide infants with the nutrients they need. It is also recommended that exclusive breastfeeding starts within one hour after birth until a baby is six months old. Nutritious complementary foods should then be added while continuing to breastfeed for up to two years or beyond.
Sources
- http://waba.org.my/
- http://worldbreastfeedingweek.org/
- http://worldbreastfeedingweek.org/wbw2016-publicannouncement.html
- http://worldbreastfeedingweek.net/
- http://www.who.int/mediacentre/events/meetings/2015/world-breastfeeding-week/en/