Government through the ministry of Health and Population has said exclusive breastfeeding is a fundamental drive for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The remarks were said by the minister responsible Jappie Mhangoin Phalombe during the launch of this year’s World Breast-feeding week.
According to the World Health Organization, exclusive breastfeeding can globally save more than 800, 000 lives every year, the majority being children under 6 months.
It is estimated that increased breastfeeding could avert 20, 000 maternal deaths each year due to breast cancer.
Despite its well documented benefits, breastfeeding is not yet a norm in some communities due to various myths. It is for this reason that the Ministry of Health is encouraging women to breastfeed their babies to promote better health.
