The rates of breastfeeding in Kenya have gone higher by 61% compared to the previous years where the rates stood at 2%. A lot has contributed to the increased rate including a significant drop in infant mortality rates,breastfeeding awareness and continuous engagement of government to support breastfeeding policies.
Proper co-ordination from International bodies for instance World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) among other health bodies in the country, better community strategies and breastfeeding capacity building have also contributed to the growth.
Health practitioners and organizations have advised that all lactating mothers should be provided with space and rooms at workplaces to ensure that all babies feed properly and adequately.
This will act as the main pointer to achieve a global target of 80% for exclusive breastfeeding that is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s).
Director Medical Services Dr.JacksonKioko says that the country has progressed in terms of improving nutrition standards for mothers and babies through a legislative framework implemented by the government
“There is a great need to highlight attention for breastfeeding by sensitizing people to breastfeed towards the achievement of the SDG’s and ensure the well-being and survival of children and their development”, said Dr.Kioko.
Dr.Kioko was addressing health practitioners in Nairobi on Tuesday during the World Breastfeeding week event.He said that breastfeeding is the only great equalizer for children and gives fair feeding chances since breast milk is very nutritive.
“Breast milk benefits are imperative to ensure equal rights for children and breastfeeding creates a special bond between the mother and child,”he emphasized.
It is estimated that breastfeeding prevents 13% of under-five mortality and is the single most effective preventive intervention that ensures child survival.
Evidence also reveals that breastfeeding reduces the risk of obesity and contributes to mental and cognitive development thus improving academic outcomes in readiness for learning of children.