The Ministry of Health and UNICEF mark World Breastfeeding Week 2026

The National Ministry of Health (MoH), in collaboration with UNICEF, is commemorating World Breastfeeding Week 2026 on Friday 28^th August, under the theme “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen what works.” This year’s theme highlights the vital role of breastfeeding in ensuring the survival, growth, and development of children while contributing to healthier families, stronger communities, and a more sustainable future.

This year UNICEF and partners are advocating for the finalization of the national decree on the marketing of breastmilk substitutes to give families clear and accurate information on infant and young child feeding. 

Protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding remains a critical strategy for improving child survival and nutrition outcomes, especially during emergencies. This is critical in South Sudan, where child mortality and malnutrition are persistent challenges, in need of concerted and focused attention. Breastfeeding is one of the most effective and cost-efficient interventions for improving child health and nutrition, providing all nutrients an infant needs as well as essential antibodies that protect them from common childhood illnesses such as diarrhea and pneumonia. The good news is that according to the MICS survey 2025, 76% of mothers initiate breastfeeding within an hour of giving birth and 71% are continuing breastfeeding until their child is two years or older. 

Hon. Luke Thompson Thoan, National Minister of Health, stated:

“Breastfeeding is a powerful investment in the health and future of our children and our nation. Every mother deserves the support, information, and enabling environment needed to successfully breastfeed. As we commemorate World Breastfeeding Week 2026, we call upon families, communities, health workers, employers, and development partners to work together to ensure that every child receives the best possible start in life through exclusive breastfeeding.”

Noala Skinner, UNICEF Country Representative in South Sudan, added:

“Breastfeeding is not only a foundation for child survival and development but also a sustainable solution that benefits families, communities, and the environment. South Sudan is doing well with early initiation of breastfeeding, and UNICEF remains committed to supporting the Government of South Sudan in strengthening policies, health systems, and community-based interventions. That means supporting mothers with information and advice on breastfeeding and appropriate complementary foods to nourish and nurture their children,” said Skinner

The Ministry of Health and UNICEF recognize the important contributions of healthcare providers, community health workers, mother-to-mother support groups, families, and partners who continue to promote and protect optimal infant and young child feeding practices across the country. As part of the government-led Health Sector Transformation Project (HSTP), community health workers are supported to visit mothers in their homes, giving support and advice on infant feeding and referring to health facilities when mothers experience difficulties. 

As part of the World Breastfeeding Week 2026 commemoration, the Ministry of Health and UNICEF are calling upon:

• Mothers and families to initiate breastfeeding within the first hour of birth, exclusively breastfeed for the first six months, and continue breastfeeding up to two years and beyond alongside with timely introduction of complementary feeding at 6 months.
• Health workers to provide quality counselling and support to pregnant and breastfeeding women.
• Communities to create supportive environments that encourage and protect breastfeeding.
• Employers and institutions to promote family-friendly workplace policies that support breastfeeding mothers.
• Development partners and stakeholders to continue investing in programmes that strengthen maternal, infant, and young child nutrition.