A report by the Ministry of Health indicates that Kenya has the third lowest breastfeeding record in Africa.
The profile has shown that only 32 per cent of mothers are breastfeeding, reducing children's chances of survival and development.
Speaking in Nairobi during the launch of the National Committee on infant and young child feeding, Dr. Nicholas Muraguri said that nutrition is a fundamental right for children.
Muraguri noted that the health sector
should
protect breastfeeding by regulating use of breast milk substitutes, for the benefit of both mothers and infants.
“There is enough evidence that early initiation coupled with exclusive breast feeding for the first six months is beneficial both for the mothers and infants.” said Muraguri.
He added that early breastfeeding reduces the risks of bleeding after delivery and lowers
chances of breast and ovarian cancer to the mother.
He urged the members of the committee to help raise awareness and benefits of breastfeeding to mothers.
About 11,000 children die annually due to inadequate breastfeeding
with one in every three children chronically malnourished.
