By Chisomo Phiri
The Ministry of Health on Friday officially launched the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week (WBW), urging the creation of sustainable support systems to promote and protect breastfeeding across the country.
Running from August 1 to 7, this year’s commemoration is being held under the global theme ‘Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems.’
Speaking at a press briefing in Lilongwe, Secretary for Health Samson Mndolo highlighted breastfeeding as a vital pillar in improving child survival, combating malnutrition, and advancing national development.
Mndolo emphasized the need for comprehensive support at all levels such as households, health facilities, workplaces, and communities to ensure that every mother has the resources and encouragement needed to breastfeed successfully.
“Like many other developing countries, Malawi is grappling with a triple burden of malnutrition: undernutrition, overnutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies,” said Mndolo.
He noted that this year’s theme is especially relevant as the country works to strengthen food and health systems to improve the nutritional status and overall well-being of its people.
On her part,World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative Neema Kimambo stressed the importance of adopting global best practices such as the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative.
“Mothers should exclusively breastfeed for the first six months and continue breastfeeding for at least two years,” she said.
World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated globally to raise awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding and to encourage actions that support, protect, and promote it at all levels of society.
