GHS Advocates For Supportive Breastfeeding Environments To Enhance Infant Health
Ghana Health Service, in collaboration with WHO and UNICEF, held an advocacy meeting on breastfeeding environments. The primary goal was to implement the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, eliminating the distribution of free and low-cost breast milk substitutes in health facilities, with the ultimate aim of enhancing early and exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and supporting continued breastfeeding, thereafter, contributing to improved infant health.
Dr. Chris Fofie, Deputy Director of Reproductive & Child Health, Family Health Division (FHD), speaking on behalf of the Director, FHD, highlighted that globally, inadequate breastfeeding is linked to the deaths of nearly 600,000 children and approximately 100,000 women annually. He further noted that economic losses associated with inadequate breastfeeding exceed $340 billion each year, while improved breastfeeding practices could prevent around 4,000 child deaths.
Dr. Fofie underscored the importance of addressing the barriers to exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) to improve maternal and child health outcomes. He emphasized that advocacy efforts will be essential in tackling the profound health and economic impacts of inadequate breastfeeding practices.
He called on stakeholders, including health facilities, employers, and both public and private institutions, to work together in creating a supportive environment for mothers and infants, ensuring healthier outcomes for all.
He acknowledged the tireless efforts of development partners and key stakeholders in bringing the importance of breastfeeding to the forefront each year, emphasizing the potential losses as more children are not being breastfed.
Responding to media questions, Dr. Okoh-Owusu assured the public that well-trained staff at various facilities across the country are working with WHO-approved guidelines to provide the best care and support to nursing mothers. She also called for continuous support in building capacity.
The theme aims to educate stakeholders about their vital roles in supporting breastfeeding, emphasize its universal importance, and engage individuals and organizations in advocating for support for mothers and babies.
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