MoH partners with media, raise awareness on breastfeeding

The Ministry of Health (MoH) has partnered with the media to highlight the crucial role of breastfeeding in promoting child survival and health as the country celebrates World breastfeeding week.

The theme of the session "Enabling breastfeeding: Making a difference for working parents" is aimed at shedding more light on the immense benefits of breastfeeding for both the child and the mother.

Veronica Kirogo, Director of Nutrition and Dietetics Services on Monday  said that the government is committed in collaborating with the media in raising awareness.

 "The government is  committed in collaborating with media professionals in their efforts to support working parents and raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding" she said

World breastfeeding week is set to commence on August 1.

Kirogo said the partnership intends to foster a strong and constructive alliance with the media, ensuring that accurate and impactful information reaches the public about the life-giving power of breastfeeding.

She emphasised that breastfeeding a child in the first six months  is a powerful immunization against life-threatening diseases among infants since it provides them with all  the nutrients needed.

"Breastmilk is a nutritional powerhouse for infants, providing all the essential nutrients they need in the first 6 months of life," Kirogo pointed out.

"It acts as a powerful immunization against life-threatening diseases, preventing 54% of diarrhea and 32% of respiratory infection episodes. Moreover, breastfeeding can reduce infection-related mortality by 88% among infants less than 3 months old," she said.