The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) have urged countries to strengthen breastfeeding support and health systems to ensure every child receives the healthiest possible start in life.

In a joint statement on Friday ahead of World Breastfeeding Week, the agencies said many mothers still lacked access to essential breastfeeding services, counselling and interventions needed to support optimal infant feeding practices.

They described breastfeeding as one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect children’s health, nutrition, immunity and cognitive development while supporting healthy growth and survival outcomes.

The agencies added that breastfeeding also benefited mothers by reducing the risk of breast and ovarian cancers as well as type 2 diabetes and other health complications.

“Global exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months increased from 37 per cent in 2012 to more than 47 per cent today.

“Breastfeeding up to two years also improved, rising from 38 per cent to 50 per cent over the past five years,” the agencies said.

Despite the progress recorded globally, UNICEF and WHO said many countries remained off track in meeting breastfeeding targets because of weak policies and inadequate support systems.

They called for stronger health systems, community-based counselling services, maternity protection measures and stricter enforcement of regulations against exploitative marketing of breast-milk substitutes worldwide.

According to the agencies, expanding access to breastfeeding support could prevent nearly 400,000 child deaths and about 140,000 maternal deaths annually across countries and communities.

Marking this year’s theme, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works,” the agencies called for sustained investments supporting every mother and child.

(NAN)