International Breastfeeding Week

Breastfeeding is recognised as a valuable source of nutrition and immune system support, which is why Irish Aid is focused on promoting breastfeeding in our partner countries. The first 1000 days of a child’s life, through their mother’s pregnancy and up until their second birthday are recognised as the most crucial days to lay a strong nutrition foundation for healthy physical and mental development.

The 1000 Days partnership between public, private and civil society organisations aims to address the severe consequences of malnutrition in early childhood. One of the key goals of the 1000 Day partnership is to increase the rate of exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months by at least 50%. Irish Aid is committed to this goal, and here are 4 of the many ways we’re promoting breastfeeding:

-          By supporting the successful legislation to extend paid maternity leave to 6 months, Irish Aid has helped to protect nursing mothers and their family in Vietnam.

-          In Tanzania and Mozambique, our sector support emphasises primary health care that includes breast feeding promotion as part of the basic care package dealing with pregnant women, the delivery of their children and post natal care.  

-          Educating pregnant women and nursing mothers about their own nutritional requirements so that they are able to produce enough nutritious milk for their babies and informing pregnant women and new mothers about the benefits of breastfeeding.

-          Irish Aid supports Ethiopia’s Health Extension Worker programme where over 30,000 community health workers promote breast feeding.