PROMOTING EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING
The Importance of Breastfeeding
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that mothers begin breastfeeding their babies within the first hour of life and continue as often and for as long as the baby wants. Additionally, the WHO advises exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. During this period, infants should receive no other foods or drinks, with the exception of vitamin D.
Despite these clear guidelines, a significant gap remains. Of the 135 million babies born each year, only 42% are breastfed in the first hour. Only 38% of mothers exclusively breastfeed for the first six months, and just 58% continue breastfeeding until their child is two years old or older.
Breastfeeding isn’t just an individual effort; it requires a strong support system. Encouragement and guidance from experienced counselors, family, healthcare professionals, employers, and policymakers are all vital to a mother’s success.
Our Solution: Promoting Exclusive Breastfeeding
At KOFA, we are working to close this gap through our breastfeeding awareness campaign. The main goal of this initiative is to educate and empower mothers in rural communities about the many benefits of exclusive breastfeeding. Through education and community outreach, we aim to create a supportive environment that helps mothers and communities prioritize and benefit from this essential part of maternal and child health.
