Tracking Progress for Breastfeeding Policies and Programmes

Unicef/world Health Organization. Global Breastfeeding Scorecard.Tracking Breastfeeding Policies and Programme.

BREASTFEEDING IS ONE OF THE MOST EFFECTIVE INVESTMENTS A COUNTRY CAN MAKE TO ENSURE A SMARTER, HEALTHIER POPULATION. It protects children from a myriad of illnesses, increases IQ, and promotes a strong bond between mother and infant. It also plays a role in decreasing mothers’ risk for breast cancer and lowers healthcare costs for families and societies. Breastfeeding has huge implications for a country’s future prosperity. Unfortunately, countries are not adequately protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding through funding or policies. As a result, a majority of children in the world are not breastfed as recommended, missing out on the vital benefits breastfeeding offers. Although every mother decides how to feed her infant, this decision is strongly influenced by economic, environmental, social, and political factors, such as inadequate healthcare support, marketing of baby foods, and workplace support to women. Countries have a responsibility to improve their funding, legislation, and health programmes to support breastfeeding.The Global Breastfeeding Scorecard documents key indicators on the policies and programmes that impact breastfeeding rates and provides information on current rates of breastfeeding around the world. It is intended to encourage progress, increase accountability, and document change for all countries as they take the necessary steps to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding.

Disponível Em: <https://www.who.int/>