Observing the World Breastfeeding Week in Thimphu, UNICEF assured to support the Royal Government of Bhutan’s efforts to improve its exclusive breastfeeding rate and achieve the target of 56.8% by 2023.
Currently, Bhutan’s exclusive breastfeeding rate stands at 51.4%. Exclusive breastfeeding means that the infant receives only breast milk for the first six months of life to achieve optimal growth, development, and health.
The World Breastfeeding Week, this year with the theme ‘Support breastfeeding for a healthier planet’ is focused on the impact of infant feeding on the environment and climate change, and the imperative to protect, promote and support breastfeeding for the health of the planet and its people.
Observing the annual event in Thimphu last Friday, UNICEF advocated enhanced skilled counseling for nursing mothers.
Dr. Will Parks, Representative, UNICEF Bhutan said, “The Occasion reminds us to increase attention to investment in and action for a set of cost-effective interventions and policies that can help the government and their partners in improving exclusive breastfeeding rates among infants less than six months and practice optimal breastfeeding for up to 2 years of age or beyond.”
To achieve the extensive breastfeeding rate of 56.8%, UNICEF and WHO are calling governments to invest in training health care workers to deliver skilled breastfeeding counseling to mothers and families. It also recommended ensuring counseling is made available as part of the routine health and nutrition services, partner and collaborating with civil society and health professional associations, and protecting health care workers from the influence of the baby food industry.
The Faculty of Nursing and Public Health in collaboration with the Health Ministry and UNICEF Bhutan Office observed the week by organizing educational activities and poster competition in Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan.
Passang Dorji
