WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK

Every Child has the right to good nutrition. The 2022 report reports that approximately 148.1 million children around the world equal to 22.3 percent are estimated to be stunted. (SOFI report 2023). Malnutrition is estimated to contribute up to 45 percent of the deaths of children under 5 years of age. It is stated that breastfeeding for the first 23 months (from birth to the age of two) can save the lives of more than 820,000 children every year.

In mainland Tanzania, approximately 59.2 percent of children suck only mother's milk during the first 6 months. While approximately 43.3 percent of children are breastfed until they reach 20 - 23 months (two years). (TNNS 2018).

Despite the presence of Laws aimed at increasing breastfeeding for working parents, breastfeeding for mothers who work and live in cities is still a challenge. Absence of an enabling environment such as breastfeeding or whole milking rooms in the workplace or in places with large gatherings of people such as markets, stands, event halls, etc. , the importance of breastfeeding and the best methods that a parent can use to ensure that a child gets to absorb breast milk according to its environment.

The growth of cities around the world is fast especially in economically developing countries including Tanzania. It is predicted that by 2050 7 out of 10 people will live in cities. These big changes will in one way affect the whole way of life in society, as well as affect breastfeeding. Because this change in urban growth is expected to create many low-level and medium-level jobs, especially for young people and mothers. 

Therefore, there is every reason to ensure that the breastfeeding environment becomes an enabler not only in the official work environment but also in the community and in the cities as a whole according to the changes in the development of the respective city.

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WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK WEBINAR 2023

Afyabora nutrition organization