Breastfeeding Saves 400,000 Children Annually, Says UNICEF

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell and WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that breastfeeding prevents 400,000 children's deaths and 140,000 maternal deaths each year. In a statement released on Monday, they urged nations to strengthen health systems to provide quality breastfeeding support for mothers and newborns.

The upcoming World Breastfeeding Week will focus on the theme “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works,” aiming to expand community-based counseling and peer programs. The organizations called for investments in paid maternity leave, supportive workplace policies, and the integration of breastfeeding interventions into antenatal, prenatal, and postnatal healthcare services.

They emphasized that breastfeeding is crucial for providing essential nutrition, increasing immunity, protecting against serious illnesses, and supporting cognitive development in children. By investing in proven solutions, the world can ensure every child receives the best possible start in life and that mothers receive necessary care and services.