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The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) and Partners in Health recently marked World Breastfeeding Week with the theme “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All”.
Speaking at the celebration on behalf of Permanent Minister of Health Pauline McNeill, Associate Minister of Health Dr Gregory Gillini noted that the theme of the celebration highlights the importance of ensuring that all people, regardless of their circumstances, have access to the support and resources they need to successfully breastfeed.
Dr Jilini said the global exclusive breastfeeding rate had risen by 10 percentage points in the past decade to 48%, almost reaching the World Conference target of 50% by 2025 (set by WHO and UNICEF).
A mother brings her child for treatment.
“In Solomon Islands, the breastfeeding rate has exceeded 50% over the past 5 years to this year, and reached 81% for half-year breastfeeding by 2024 (HIS report). The exclusive breastfeeding rate in Solomon Islands has also exceeded 50% over the past 5 years, and reached 72% for half-year by 2024. Therefore, Solomon Islands has achieved the target of exclusive breastfeeding of at least 50% of live births,” said Dr Jilini.
He added that to promote exclusive breastfeeding in the country, the Ministry of Health, with the support of WHO and UNICEF, has launched several initiatives: first, the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative; second, infant and young child feeding; and third, the formulation of a baby-friendly policy and a breastfeeding policy.
“The goal of these initiatives is to increase exclusive breastfeeding rates in the country, improve breastfeeding practices, promote breastfeeding through various programmes including awareness, education and support for breastfeeding friendly policies. MHMS encourages and promotes breastfeeding as it is the best food for infants. Some of the benefits of breastfeeding are: it provides essential nutrients, strengthens the immune system, and reduces the risk of infections, chronic diseases and obesity to the infant’s health. Breastfeeding reduces the mother’s risk of breast and ovarian cancer, promotes weight loss after childbirth, and strengthens the mother-infant bond and promotes the mother’s health,” said Dr. Jilini.
He thanked the World Health Organization and UNICEF for their continued support to the Ministry and for financially contributing to the World Breastfeeding Week activities.
Meanwhile, World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in India Dr Howard Sobel said breastfeeding is essential for child survival and health.
He stressed that globally, breast milk substitutes such as infant formula lead to inadequate breastfeeding, causing 10% of deaths each year.
He therefore encouraged health workers, mothers, grandmothers, partners, families and communities to support all mothers to exclusively breastfeed their babies for six months, two years and beyond.
Meanwhile, UNICEF Chief of Staff, Mr. Benjamin Grubb, also stressed the importance of breastfeeding and pledged UNICEF’s continued support to the Malaysian Ministry of Health.
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– MHMS Press Release
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