No country follows the recommendations for breastfeeding
The breastmilk It is the first food the baby receives. A nutrition that provides a large number of antibodies with which to prevent diseases and infections, helping their development in these first months of life. Given the importance of breastfeeding, it is no surprise that the World Health Organization, WHO, has put forward a series of guidelines to ensure that this process is carried out correctly.
But how many countries in the globe have followed these tips to the letter? As indicated by the WHO itself in a report carried out together with UNICEF, none. The countries of the world suspend in this field. In this study conducted on the occasion of the International Breastfeeding Week The importance of the fact that governments are involved in this sense within families is highlighted.
Breastfeeding in the world
This study entitled 'The World Scorecard for Breastfeeding'evaluated this activity in a total of 194 nations. Data that only 40% of children under six months receive exclusive breastfeeding (only breast milk) and only 23 countries have exclusive rates of breastfeeding above 60%.
Among the causes of this situation, those responsible indicate the scarce investment made by governments in this matter. TO world level, the amount of money allocated for breastfeeding is too short. As noted in this paper each year, the authorities in the countries with medium and low incomes spend approximately 250 million dollars in these programs; and donors contribute only an additional 85 million dollars.
Increasing these benefits would mean saving the lives of many children around the world. Breastfeeding brings many nutrients to children and helps them prevent diseases, but without the necessary investments the programs advised by WHO can not be implemented. Thus, They requested The following aspects:
- Increase funds to raise breastfeeding rates from birth to two years.
- Promulgate policies of paid family leave and breastfeeding at work that allow these practices to be combined with the job position.
- Improve advice on qualified breastfeeding as part of comprehensive breastfeeding policies and programs in health facilities.
- Strengthen the links between health centers and communities, and encourage community networks to protect, promote and support breastfeeding.
- Improve monitoring that registers the progress of policies, programs and funds towards the achievement of national and global breastfeeding goals.
Benefits of breastfeeding
As part of the presentation of this study, the benefits that this food has for the child have been recalled. "Breastfeeding offers babies the best possible start in life," explained the doctor Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of WHO. At the same time he added that "breast milk acts as the baby's first vaccine, as it protects them against life-threatening diseases and offers them all the food they need to survive and thrive."
On the other hand, Anthony Lake, Executive Director of UNICEF stated that: "Breastfeeding is one of the most effective and profitable investments that nations can make in favor of the health of their younger members and the future health of their economies and societies."
Damián Montero
