TEHRAN –The World Breastfeeding Week will be observed in the first week of August. This year, it will be celebrated under the theme of ‘Closing the gap: Breastfeeding for all’.

The day highlights the significance of breastfeeding in improving children’s health and lowering their mortality rate.

Supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and many Ministries of Health and civil society partners, the World Breastfeeding Week as a global campaign underscores that breastfeeding is essential for child survival and health.

Breast milk is a safe, natural, nutritious, and sustainable food for babies. Breast milk contains antibodies that help protect against many common childhood illnesses, such as diarrhea and respiratory diseases. 

This year, the campaign will celebrate breastfeeding mums in all their diversity, throughout their breastfeeding journeys, while showcasing the ways families, societies, communities, and health workers can have the back of every breastfeeding mum.

The days of the week are named as follows.

Wednesday, August 1, the role of policymakers in promoting breastfeeding.

Thursday, August 2, the role of fathers in successful breastfeeding.

Friday, August 3, the role of clergies and religious groups in promoting breastfeeding.

Saturday, August 4, the role of family support law in supporting mothers and infants.

Sunday, August 5, the role of media in raising families and mothers’ awareness and skills.

Monday, August 6, the role of NGOs in promoting breastfeeding.

Tuesday, August 7, the role of managers and employers in promoting breastfeeding.

UNICEF commends Iran

In August 2023, Robin Nandy, the representative of UNICEF in Iran, said that granting 9 months of maternity leave to mothers in Iran is admirable, praising the country for promoting breastfeeding.

Nandy made the remarks at the ceremony of "World Breastfeeding Week" held at Razi International Conference Hall.

During the coronavirus pandemic, breastfeeding infants has ensured food security, improved nutrition in communities, and reduced inequalities, he highlighted.

Pointing out that every dollar invested in breastfeeding has a return of $35, he noted that in addition to preventing many diseases in children and mothers, breast milk is one of the smartest investments to improve human capital and accelerate economic growth in societies.

Stating that only 44 percent of babies in the world are exclusively breastfed in the first 6 months of life, he said that breastmilk acts like a child’s first vaccine.

Breastfeeding rates in societies with deep gaps between income groups are lower, he further stated.

Appreciating Iran for promoting breast milk, he said that it is necessary to implement family-oriented policies in countries with at least 18 weeks of leave after childbirth to promote and strengthen breastfeeding.

Iran's decision to grant 9 months of maternity leave to mothers is admirable and UNICEF supports these policies, he highlighted.