Fally Ipupa appointed UNICEF National Ambassador

KINSHASA, 10 AUGUST 2021 - Congolese singer Fally Ipupa has been appointed National Ambassador for UNICEF in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on the sidelines of World Breastfeeding Week. The musician joins hundreds of artists, athletes and celebrities around the world who are using their talents to promote children's rights.

"By taking on this new role as a National Ambassador, Fally Ipupa will lend his voice and talent to ensure that every Congolese child fully enjoys all his or her rights," said Edouard Beigbeder, UNICEF Representative in DRC. 

Since 2017, Fally Ipupa has worked with UNICEF in the fight against malnutrition, which affects 10 million children across the DRC every year. As a National Ambassador, the artist will continue to promote, protect and support infant and young child feeding practices.

"I know first-hand the issues children in the DRC are facing, as well as their expectations for the future, and I hope to continue help children in my country," said Fally Ipupa. "Every child has the right to have the best possible start in life, as the first 1,000 days have long-term effects on their future.

Breastfeeding Week is a reminder that breast milk is the only food and drink infants need for the first six months of their lives. In the DRC, one in two infants receives liquids and foods in addition to breast milk during the first six months of their lives, which contributes to malnutrition, illness and even deaths.

UNICEF and the Ministry of Health launched the 'Stronger with Breastmilk Only' campaign last year to encourage pro-breastfeeding policies and social change to stop giving water to infants under six months. This campaign aims to inform political and administrative authorities, technical and financial partners, NGOs, companies, associations, the media, as well as communities and families of the importance of promoting, protecting and supporting mothers to breastfeed their children better in order to get a better start in life.

Breast milk saves children's lives because it contains antibodies that strengthen their bodies and protect them from many childhood diseases. As the number of coronavirus cases continues to rise in DRC, UNICEF is encouraging women to continue breastfeeding.