Breastfeeding within one hour of birth can reduce infant mortalityNEW YORK, 1 August 2007 – Breastfeeding babies immediately after birth can prevent a significant number of neonatal deaths in developing countries, said UNICEF today at the start of World Breastfeeding Week. A study from Ghana published in the journal Pediatrics indicates that 16 per cent of neonatal deaths can be prevented by breastfeeding infants from day one,rising to 22 per cent if breastfeeding begins within one hour of birth. Early initiation of breastfeeding is the theme of this year’s World Breastfeeding Week. “More than one third of child deaths occur during the first fragile month of life,” said UNICEF Executive Director, Ann M. Veneman. “Early breastfeeding provides critical nutrients, protects infants against deadly diseases and fosters growth and development.” The issue is particularly relevant in Sub-Saharan Africa, which has the highest infant mortality rate in the world. Around 10 per cent of all babies die before the age of one and most neonatal deaths occur at home. Though the rate of exclusive breastfeeding until the age of six months has more than doubled in the region since 1990 – to 30 per cent – this still leaves hundreds of thousands of children vulnerable to disease and death. UNICEF estimates that exclusive breastfeeding to the age of six months could prevent the deaths of 1.3 million children under the age of five each year. “It is critical to reach women in their homes and communities,” said Veneman. BACKGROUND World Breastfeeding Week Breastfeeding Advocacy package The Ghana Study About UNICEF For further information, please contact: Jessica Malter, UNICEF Media NY, +1 212 326 – 7412, jmalter@unicef.org
Child and infant feeding Visit World Breastfeeding Week website More on Child and Infant Feeding in CEE/CIS UNICEF Innocenti Research Centre communications materials Related news: Breastmilk substitutes put babies’ health at risk Aug 2007 Why a Tajikistani doctor enthuses about exclusive breastfeeding Aug 2007 Tajikistan: Breastfed babies get best start in life Aug 2007 Breastfeeding in Albania: A simple way to save young lives Jul 2007 Turkmenistan marks the National Breastfeeding Week Sept 2006 Breastfeeding in Bosnia and Herzegovina: the critical start to life Aug 2006 Regional Training Course on Protecting Breastfeeding held in Azerbaijan Jul 2006 Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative a success in Azerbaijan Jul 2006
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