World Breastfeeding Week, 1 – 7th August 2021 Theme: Protect Breastfeeding – A Shared Responsibility Breastfeeding is somewhat a controversial subject, yet it is as natural a topic as they come. Annually, from 1st to 7th August, breastfeeding week is held in 120 countries across the globe; Malawi participates in commemorating this week. The World Health Organization promotes breastfeeding as the most effective way toensure the survival of babies. Breastfeeding improves the quality of life through its nutritional, immunological, biological, and psychological benefits. After six months, a child must eat nutrient- rich foods to complement breast milk. Various organizations such as World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA), World Health Organization (WHO), and UNICEF promote activities around breastfeeding to bring awareness. They advocate for exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and then continuation for up to two years for the health and well-being of the baby. Currently, around the world, less than 40% of babies are breastfed exclusively. In Malawi, although the statistics may varyaccording to region, it is observed that 97% of all mothers breastfeed their children. However, only 45% exclusively breastfeed for the first six months. The lownumber of mothers breastfeeding in Malawi is a consequence of modernization. Modernization has increased access to artificial milk Essential Grace
formulas allowing more women to join the workforce. Furthermore, advances in technology have invented the breast pump. The pump helps in collecting and storing milk for feeding when the mother is not physically available. Malawi published a policy titled: *Infant and Young Child Nutrition Policy and Guidelines 2003-2020. The policy articulates feeding practices and guidelines that public health officials promote to the general population. It also provides guidelines for mothers with HIV, discusses health supplements, diet diversification, and fortification standards of foods given to infants to ensure the best outcomes for babies. Commemorating this year’s theme, the Minister of Health observed that the pandemic has adversely affected mothers and babies as mothers are focusing on theeconomic effects of the pandemic instead of their children. Health services have also been overwhelmed and are not providing child and maternal services to their full extent. Unfortunately, breastfeeding has been negatively affected by the COVID-19 rumor mill. Some people say that breastfeeding can transmit COVID19 to babies, but so far, health experts argue that there is no scientific evidence to the claim. Health experts encourage breastfeeding mothers to wash their hands thoroughly before feeding the baby and towear masks. There are many beliefs and myths surrounding breastfeeding, though it is a natural and normal part of raising a child. For instance, in the West, there is 23
