Rutendo Mazhindu- ZimNow Reporter
Zimbabwe is participating in the global observance of World Breastfeeding Week, running from August 1 to 7, under the theme “Prioritise Breastfeeding, Create Sustainable Support Systems.”
The Ministry of Health and Child Care says the theme emphasizes the need for every mother to have the support, enabling environment, and resources necessary to breastfeed successfully—from conception through the first two years of the child’s life and beyond.
The week-long campaign focuses on six core pillars: Policy Implementation and Monitoring, Health System Integration, Workplace and Social Protection, Social Norms Promotion, Community-Based Support, and Environmental and Climate Sustainability.
The Ministry stated, “National strategies, like those promoted by the Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding, provide the foundation for long-term sustainability.”
Baby-Friendly Hospitals are being promoted as key platforms for breastfeeding support.
“Baby-Friendly Hospitals are crucial touchpoints, offering skilled counselling and support during antenatal care, delivery, postnatal hospitalisation, and after discharge,” said the Ministry.
The campaign also highlights the importance of protecting breastfeeding rights for working mothers.
“Empowering women in all settings, including upon returning to work, is essential to sustaining breastfeeding and achieving gender equity,” the Ministry noted.
The Ministry added, “Breastfeeding should be a visible, normalised practice. A sustainable system promotes early and lifelong exposure to breastfeeding as a norm.”
Communities are also being encouraged to play a proactive role.
“Breastfeeding success often hinges on support from peers, neighbours, and community counsellors,” the Ministry said.
Breastfeeding is additionally being promoted as environmentally friendly.
“It is a zero-waste, low-carbon, resource-efficient practice that conserves water and energy while minimising pollution and packaging waste,” the Ministry added.
The campaign is supported by WHO, UNICEF, government agencies, and civil society partners.
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