By Isatou Fofana
The National Nutrition Agency (NaNA) recently organised a press conference to commemorate World Breast feeding Day, which is annually observed on August 1st extending to the 7th, serves as a pivotal occasion to promote and support breastfeeding as a vital component of infant health and well-being.
The theme for this year’s commemoration, “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All” aims to anchor breastfeeding as an equaliser to close gaps within society.
The acting Executive Director of NaNa Mr Malang Fofana, affirmed that the occasion is meant to raise awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding for both infants and mothers.
Mr. Fofana therefore highlighted the significance of breastfeeding, noting that breast milk provides essential nutrients that are crucial for an infant’s growth and development.
The Deputy Director of Health Promotion and Education Sanjally Trawelly, spoke at length about the significance of commemorating the week, saying it plays an instrumental role in promoting breastfeeding as a public health issue.
He therefore underscored the importance of commemorating the day as it serves as a reminder that breastfeeding is not only a personal choice but also a societal responsibility that requires collective action.
Dr. Julia is the Child Survival and Development Manager at UNICEF. She said that it is imperative to reiterate the critical importance of breastfeeding for the health and development of children globally. “As the UNICEF Child Survival and Development Manager, I emphasise that breastfeeding is not merely a nurturing practice; it is an essential foundation for lifelong health and well-being”.
Studies indicate that breastfeeding not only contributes to the physical health of infants, reducing the risks of infections and chronic conditions but also fosters emotional bonds between mother and child. The act of breastfeeding is not merely a nutritional practice, but a crucial interaction that supports the psychosocial well-being of both the mother and the child.
