This morning, the National Nutrition Agency (NaNA) and its partners held a press conference to kick off activities marking the annual breastfeeding week (1st-7th August) at their office in Bakau.
It could be recalled that the World Alliance for Breastfeeding (WABA), the World Health Organisation (WHO), and UNICEF established the World Breastfeeding Week initiative to promote exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a child’s life.
While delivering his keynote speech this morning, the acting Executive Director of NaNA, Mr. Malang Fofana, spoke at length about the importance of breastfeeding for children’s health.
“This has many health benefits, including providing vital nutrients, protecting infants from fatal diseases like pneumonia, reducing food insecurity, and fostering bonding, love, growth and development,” he said.
He emphasized that every child should be breastfed optimally ( initiating breastfeeding within one hour of birth, exclusively for the first six months of life.
} followed by continued breastfeeding with appropriate complementary food for up to two years and beyond, regardless of background or status.
He further elaborated on the progress made by the Gambia as well as the giant steps undertaken to enhance optimal breastfeeding noting that the country has developed policies, strategies, and programs to protect, promote, and support exclusive breastfeeding and optimal infant and child feeding practices.
” According to the Directorate of Health Services, exclusive breastfeeding rate has increased from 48% in 2013 to 54% in 2019/20. This has been realized through collaboration between the government agencies, ministries, and departments with our development partners ”
The National Nutrition Agency (NaNA) in collaboration with key stakeholders such as the Ministry of Health, the media, and support from UNICEF observe World Breastfeeding Week throughout August to highlight the importance of Breastfeeding in the Gambia.
