Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival.Globally, World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated every 1-7 August in commemoration of the Innocenti Declaration.At NaNA, we recognise the whole month of August as Breastfeeding Month.

The National Nutrition Agency (NaNA) and partners notably ; UNICEF and the Ministry of Health continue to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week with activities that were lined up for this year’s celebration. On Friday 19th and Saturday 20th August, 2022, the Agency led partners to conduct a two day’s retraining of Village Support Groups (VSGs) and mothers in North Bank East and Central River Region. The retraining targeted 120 VSGs and mothers in each region. The aim of this training was to strengthen the knowledge of the VSGs on breastfeeding. The training was focused on the following key areas; The importance of breastmilk. How breastfeeding works, Early initiation of breastfeeding, Exclusive breastfeeding, Complementary feeding and Maternal nutrition. The training was a follow-up to the sensitization of antenatal mothers on the importance of breastfeeding which was meant to psychologically prepare them to breastfeed their babies when they give birth.

Breastfeeding is one of the most important of all ways to enhance the survival and growth of babies worldwide. As the national lead, NaNA supports Baby Friendly Hospitals << http://nana.gm/2020/05/20/baby-friendly-community-initiative/>> and Baby Friendly Communities << http://nana.gm/2020/06/10/baby-friendly-community-initiative-2/>>.

The theme of this year’s World Breastfeeding Week is ‘Step up for Breastfeeding – Educate and Support’.