PHA-Exch> Stepped-up support for breastfeeding mothers needed, says UN

[Claudio Schuftan]

--------From: Vern Weitzel <vern.weitzel at gmail.com>
crossposted from: "[health-vn discussion group]" health-vn at cairo.anu.edu.au


http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=27552&Cr=Mother&Cr1=health

Stepped-up support for breastfeeding mothers needed, says UN


A young mother breastfeeds her baby

31 July 2008 – The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the World
Health Organization (WHO) have kicked off World Breastfeeding Week by urging
increased support for breastfeeding mothers since the practice has been
shown to slash deaths by more than 10 per cent in infants in developing
countries.
"Breastfeeding is a key tool in improving child survival," said Ann M.
Veneman, Executive Director of the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), according to
a press release issued today to mark the Week, which runs until 7 August.

Despite advances in the past 15 years, only 38 per cent of infants under six
months of age in the poorer nations are exclusively breastfed, a practice
which could curb infant mortality.

This year's theme for the Week is "support for mothers," with studies having
shown that the number of months which mothers breastfeed – especially
exclusively – is extended by education and support.

The practice can cut back on the number of deaths caused by acute
respiratory infection and diarrhoea, as well as other infectious diseases.
It also improves mothers' health and strengthens the bond between mother and
child.

First observed in 1992, the Week – which seeks to encourage exclusive
breastfeeding for the first six months of a child's life – is now observed
in more than 120 countries.

Events marking the Week will be held worldwide, ranging from a rally in
Bangladesh to an essay contest in Hong Kong.
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