Addis Ababa, August 2024 – During the 2024 World Breastfeeding Week (WBW), the African Union Commission (AUC) joined the global community in commemorating this important occasion as part of the Fifth Ordinary Session of the Specialized Technical Committee on Health, Nutrition, Population, and Drug Control (STC-HNPDC-5). The "Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All" theme underscores the critical need for comprehensive support for breastfeeding mothers across Africa. The AUC highlighted the essential role of breastfeeding in ensuring the survival, health, and well-being of infants and young children.

“Breastfeeding is a vital life-saving practice that ensures the survival, health, and well-being of infants and young children,” said H.E. Dr. Ummy Mwalimu, during the STC-HNPDC-5. “It provides ideal nutrition, promotes cognitive development, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases later in life”

Despite notable progress, gaps in breastfeeding support are still evident across the continent due to the limited adoption of recommended policies, inadequate health worker capacity, insufficient advocacy, and the unregulated marketing of breast milk substitutes. Currently, only 33 countries in Africa have legislation regulating breast milk substitutes, with 14 countries substantially aligning with the International Code.

As Africa’s leaders have committed to increasing exclusive breastfeeding rates by 50 percent through initiatives like the Africa Regional Nutrition Strategy (2016-2025) and the Re-Strengthened Campaign on the Accelerated Reduction of Maternal Mortality in Africa Campaign (CARMMA Plus), the World Breastfeeding Week called for a renewed focus on implementing effective breastfeeding policies and practices by Member States.

“Together, we can close the gap and ensure that every mother receives the support needed to provide the best start in life for her child,” urged Dr. Mwalimu.

Call to Action: The African Union Commission urges all African nations, partner organizations, and communities to come together to support breastfeeding mothers and ensure that every child in Africa gets the best possible start in life.

Let’s close the gap and support breastfeeding for all!

For further information please contact:

Mr. Derrick Ochuot | Strategic Communication Expert | Directorate of Health and Humanitarian Affairs | Health Systems, Diseases and Nutrition Division | African Union Commission | E-mail: ochuotd@africa-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.