Be smart, be modern, breastfeed your baby, even at work
UNICEF calls communities, Government, private sector and donors to promote exclusive breastfeeding till the age of six months
Be smart, be modern, breastfeed your baby, even at work
Nearly one child out of four Zimbabwean children is suffering from chronic undernutrition and does not grow and develop to its full potential. At the same time, overweight is increasing in Zimbabwe, which is also impacting seriously the health and well-being of children. While the causes of malnutrition are complex, it is proven exclusive breastfeeding till the age of six months is a key factor to prevent malnutrition and ensuring young children get a good start in life.
Breastmilk is the only food that a baby needs for the first six months of its life. It ensures adequate physical growth and cognitive development of the child; helps prevent malnutrition; provides immunity and protects young children against infections and childhood illnesses; and is readily available, safe, and does not cost anything. It forms a unique biological and emotional basis for the health of both mother and child.
The International Code of Marketing Breastmilk Substitutes was adopted in 1981 by the World Health Assembly (WHA) to promote safe and adequate nutrition for infants, by the protection and promotion of breastfeeding, and by ensuring the proper use of breast-milk substitutes, when these are necessary. Zimbabwe adopted the International Code into national legislation in 1998.
UNICEF is working closely with the Government of Zimbabwe and the World Health Organization (WHO) to promote the practice of exclusive breastfeeding until six months of age and continued breastfeeding until 2 years.
The private sector has an important role to play in promoting exclusive breastfeeding of infants until 6 months and continued breastfeeding until 2 years. Several companies have adopted the family-friendly initiative by establishing baby-friendly rooms where mothers can breastfeed and/or express and store their breastmilk. Private sector organizations have also taken the lead in promoting paternity leave for their employees.
Key Figures
42% of children in Zimbabwe are exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life
60% of mothers start breastfeeding within the first one hour of life
¼ of Zimbabwean children suffer from chronic malnutrition
UNICEF calls for:
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community leaders to continue to promote exclusive breastfeeding practices at community level.
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the Government of Zimbabwe to fully implement the International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitute through strong legal measures that are enforced and independently monitoring the compliance of health professionals and health facilities.
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businesses and employers in Zimbabwe to implement family-friendly policies that support mothers with time, space, and support to breastfeed, including providing at least 18 weeks of paid maternity leave.
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donors operating in Zimbabwe to increase funding to strengthen the protection, promotion, and support of breastfeeding programmes.