South Sudan marks world breastfeeding week amid challenges

JUBA – South Sudan joined the global community in observing World Breastfeeding Week from August 1-7, with a renewed focus on promoting exclusive breastfeeding and addressing related challenges.

This year’s theme, “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All,” underscored the importance of providing comprehensive support to mothers and infants.

Health officials, including Health Minister Yolanda Awel Deng, emphasized the numerous benefits of breastfeeding, from providing essential nutrients to strengthening the immune system and fostering a strong bond between mother and child.

Despite progress in increasing exclusive breastfeeding rates from 45% in 2010 to 60% in 2023, challenges persist. Approximately four out of ten newborns still lack adequate breastfeeding support.

To address this, the government and partners like UNICEF are advocating for improved policies, such as extended maternity leave and breastfeeding-friendly workplaces.

“We have got laws in South Sudan to protect mothers, but those laws must be implemented,” Minister Deng said during a World Breastfeeding Week event in Juba.

“The health, the social and economic benefit of breastfeeding for a child and mother have been established across the world,” she added.

UNICEF Representative Hamida Lasseko highlighted the psychological benefits of breastfeeding, emphasizing the importance of the bond formed between mother and child during this intimate process.

While progress has been made, WHO Representative Dr. Humphrey Karamagi stressed the need for continued efforts to improve nutrition in South Sudan.

“We need to really double our efforts to be able to improve this situation. We know nutrition is a huge challenge in life within South Sudan,” Karamagi said.

Breastfeeding remains a cornerstone of infant health, providing essential nutrients and protection against diseases.

As South Sudan works to improve maternal and child health outcomes, promoting and supporting breastfeeding will continue to be a critical component of these efforts.