The 2025 World Breastfeeding Week has been observed with a strong appeal for the creation of sustainable support systems to promote and sustain breastfeeding among mothers.
This year’s celebration, held in August under the theme “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems”, was highlighted on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Tuesday August 12, with key health experts urging families and communities to play active roles in supporting breastfeeding mothers.
Linda Abada, a Nutrition Officer from the Kassena Nankana West District, emphasised the importance of family involvement in helping mothers successfully practice exclusive breastfeeding.
“Breastfeeding is a lot of work and takes a lot of energy. At the home level, mothers need support from everybody, husbands, mothers-in-law, fathers-in-law, and others, to help them breastfeed well,” she stated.
Also speaking on the programme, Munatah Dramani, a Technical Officer in Nutrition, advised breastfeeding mothers to observe comprehensive hygiene practices for the well-being of their babies.
“You have to tackle hygiene on three levels. If you practice one level and neglect the others, you may not achieve the full benefits. You need personal hygiene, food hygiene, and environmental hygiene when practicing exclusive breastfeeding,” she noted.
Public Health Promotion Officer, Christiana Ayichuru, called for the discouragement of cultural practices that undermine exclusive breastfeeding in some communities.
“In some communities, when a mother gives birth, elderly women rush to get herbs from the bush or market to bathe the baby. Sometimes babies are forced to drink these concoctions, which may not be beneficial to their health.” she said.
World Breastfeeding Week is commemorated globally every year to raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding, encourage supportive environments, and promote practices that enhance the health of mothers and babies.
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