Why Do We Celebrate World Breastfeeding Week? Here’s All You Need To Know
Breastfeeding plays a very important role in the growth of a baby. Infants need to be breastfed for the first six months regularly as breast milk contains essential nutrients that provide immunity to the baby to fight against a lot of diseases. There are still many people who are not aware of the health benefits of breastfeeding a baby and how important a process it is in the development of a child. From August 1 to August 7, which is the first week of August, is celebrated as World Breastfeeding Week. This week is commemorated to spreading awareness about breastfeeding all across the globe. So, here are more details on the importance, significance and theme of World Breastfeeding Week 2022.
What is The Importance Of Breastfeeding Week?
World Breastfeeding Week is organised by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA), World Health Organization (WHO), and UNICEF. The reason behind celebrating this week is to spread awareness about the benefits of compulsorily breastfeeding an infant for up to six months.
The World Breastfeeding Week first began in 1992 and since then it has been an annual celebration of the importance of breastfeeding. WABA’s vision is to normalise breastfeeding and make it a ‘cultural norm’. Its mission is to ‘protect, promote and support breastfeeding’ and its goal is to make a cohesive movement all over the world and make a suitable environment for mothers to breastfeed their children.
Also read: UNICEF Says Only 44% Newborns Are Breastfed In The First 6 Months Of Life. This Number Is Low!
What Is The Theme Of World Breastfeeding Week 2022?
Starting in 2016, the World Breastfeeding Week aligned its vision with United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year’s theme is “Step Up For Breastfeeding”. Their objectives this year are to inform people in strengthening their support for breastfeeding, anchor breastfeeding as a part of nutrition, engage with people and organisations supporting the cause of breastfeeding and put to action the strength amassed.
