World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) is a global campaign to raise awareness and galvanise action on themes related to breastfeeding. (Read More)
Every year, the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) coordinates the World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) a global campaign that aims to inform, anchor, engage and galvanise action on breastfeeding and related issues. Although progress has been achieved, the work to protect, promote and support breastfeeding became more of a challenge in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical conflicts, which widened and deepened inequalities, tipping more people into food insecurity. In addition, limitations to the health system’s capacity led to deterioration of breastfeeding support, and targeted outreach by the breastmilk substitutes (BMS) industry continues to negatively influence parents’ infant feeding decisions.
Facts (WHO)
- 3 in 5 not breastfed: Globally, 3 in 5 babies are not breastfed in the first hour of life.
- 820 000 children could be saved: Over 820 000 children could be saved yearly if all children 0-23 months were optimally breastfed.
- 41% of infants aged 0-6 months: Only 41% of infants under 6 months of age are exclusively breastfed.
Objectives of #WBW2022
World Breastfeeding Week 2022 (#WBW2022) focuses on strengthening the capacity of actors that have to protect, promote and support breastfeeding across different levels of society.
- Inform: people about their role in strengthening the warm chain of support for breastfeeding
- Engage: with individuals and organisations along the warm chain of support for breastfeeding
- Anchor: breastfeeding as part of good nutrition, food security and reduction of inequalities
- Galvanise: action on strengthening capacity of actors and systems for transformational change
Social media messages (WABA)
- #Breastfeeding promotes bonding between mother & child and provides food security to infants from the very beginning of life contributing to food security for the whole family. This #WBW2022, let’s step up education & support for breastfeeding! @WABA.WBW @WorldHealthOrganization(WHO) @UNICEF
- #Breastfeeding promotes bonding between mother & child and provides food security to infants from the very beginning of life contributing to food security for the whole family. @WABA.WBW @WorldHealthOrganization(WHO) @UNICEF
- Women need support from the health service, workplace and community to optimally breastfeed, progressing from one level to the other. This is called the Warm Chain of Support for Breastfeeding. There is an urgent need for education to improve and increase the capacity of all the actors who work along the Warm Chain. @WABA.WBW @WorldHealthOrganization(WHO) @UNICEF
- To PREPARE for #breastfeeding, parents need education & anticipatory breastfeeding counselling starting during the first trimester as part of routine antenatal care. @WABA.WBW @WorldHealthOrganization(WHO) @UNICEF
- Let’s step up education and support for breastfeeding this #WBW2022! @WABA.WBW @WorldHealthOrganization(WHO) @UNICEF
- To INITIATE breastfeeding, pregnant women need mother-friendly care during labour/delivery. Maternity units need evidence-based information covering appropriate management of labour/delivery care. Let’s step up education and support for breastfeeding this #WBW2022! @WABA.WBW @WorldHealthOrganization(WHO) @UNICEF
- To ESTABLISH #breastfeeding in the early days, counselling and practical help with breastfeeding are needed in the maternity facility and when the mother is at home. Let’s step up education and support for breastfeeding this #WBW2022! @WABA.WBW @WorldHealthOrganization(WHO) @UNICEF
- To MAINTAIN breastfeeding, families can be referred to appropriate health centres or clinics, and to breastfeeding counsellors and peer support groups. Let’s step up education and support for breastfeeding this #WBW2022!
- @WABA.WBW @WorldHealthOrganization(WHO) @UNICEF
- #Breastfeeding can save lives during emergencies and other special circumstances. In emergencies, the nutritional needs and care of both breastfed and non-breastfed infants and young children need attention. Let’s step up education and support for breastfeeding this #WBW2022! @WABA.WBW @WorldHealthOrganization(WHO) @UNICEF
READ MORE: WABA
- World Breastfeeding Week 2021: Protect Breastfeeding: A Shared Responsibility
- World Breastfeeding Week 2020 Message
- World Breastfeeding Week 2020
- World Breastfeeding Week: ”Empower Parents, Enable Breastfeeding”
- Breastfeeding: Foundation of life! World Breastfeeding Week 2018
- ”Sustaining Breastfeeding Together”-25th World Breastfeeding Week
- Sustaining Breastfeeding Together: WABA | World Breastfeeding Week 2017
- World Breastfeeding Week (1–7 August 2012)
- Breastfeeding Fact Sheet: Nepal
- Activities to protect, promote and support of breastfeeding
- WHO and UNICEF issue new guidance to promote breastfeeding in health facilities globally
- 10 facts on breastfeeding
- Ten steps to successful breastfeeding (revised 2018)
- Breastfeeding provides the strongest foundation for lifelong health and optimal nutrition
- Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding
- Breastfeeding: A smart investment
