Supporting mothers to breastfeed will improve children’s chances of survival, says UNICEF
DUSHANBE, 1 August 2008 – In Tajikistan, the World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) Campaign from 1- 7 2008 is conducted by support of UNICEF to the Ministry of Health (MoH) of Tajikistan and its partners. This year WBW is recommending the provision of increased professional and informal support for breastfeeding mothers using the global theme “Mothers’ Support Goes to the Gold”. “Support for breastfeeding is crucially important for mothers, babies and community itself. This golden support, irrespective of conditions, succeeds breastfeeding experience of mothers and provides the best start of children’s lives”- said Ruth Leano, Deputy Representative of UNICEF in Tajikistan. In Tajikistan one of four children (25 %) of mothers are breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months and by the end of the first year, roughly three of four children (75%) are being breastfed. Such figures put children of Tajikistan at an advantage compared to children from other countries in the region (22%) Even so, a timely complementary feeding rate (15%) is at unsatisfactory level three times lower than the average rate in the region (45%). UNICEF supports MoH in certification and re-certification of Baby-Friendly Hospitals (BFH), monitoring of implementation of the national law on "Breastfeeding protection" and awareness raising activities among mothers and caregivers. Progress can be linked to the special efforts the country has made to accelerate breastfeeding promotion since 2000. A total of 30 out of 72 maternity hospitals all over the country have been certified as BFH. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life reduces infant mortality linked to common childhood illnesses and under-nutrition. Breastfeeding can decrease the number of deaths caused by acute respiratory infection and diarrhea - two major child killers - as well as from other infectious diseases. It also contributes to the health of mothers, and creates a bond between the mother and child. Appropriate infant feeding can save lives, ensure optimal growth and development, and contribute to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. UNICEF is working with its partners and Governments in many countries to ensure the provision of increased support for breastfeeding mothers, including by health workers, counselors, mother-to-mother support groups, employers, relief workers in emergencies, legislators, and the family and community social networks. *** Breastfeeding results from a reproductive health continuum for the mother to the child with no beginning or end, from generation to generation. When a practice is disrupted, it must be restored. However, restoration of the breastfeeding culture demands more resources and mobilization. About UNICEF For further information, please contact:
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