The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has urged regional countries to adopt a comprehensive approach to support breastfeeding, reinforcing the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. This call comes in observance of World Breastfeeding Week.
CARPHA emphasized that breastfeeding is crucial for child nutrition, health, and survival, reducing risks of malnutrition, non-communicable diseases, and mortality. Breastfed infants have a lower risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes, while breastfeeding women face reduced risks of postpartum obesity, type 2 diabetes, ovarian cancer, and breast cancer.
This year’s World Breastfeeding Week theme, “Closing the Gap, Breastfeeding Support for All,” highlights the need to enhance support for breastfeeding at home, in communities, and workplaces, especially during emergencies.
CARPHA also urged governments to implement breastfeeding-friendly policies in public spaces and workplaces, including maternity and paternity leave and designated breastfeeding areas. CARPHA said it will continue working with member states to develop comprehensive national policies on infant and young child feeding, ensuring breastfeeding support across society for the best start in life for Caribbean children.
