World breastfeeding week: August 1st to August 7th 2023

Background

International public health days are an opportunity to create awareness and understanding about health issues and mobilize support for action from the local community to the international stage. In this section, we summarize for you upcoming global health awareness and international health days that will be commemorated during July-September 2023 quarter.

Running from August 1st to August 7^th 2023, this annual event seeks to raise awareness and promote the benefits of breastfeeding for the development of children and the overall health of society.The global breastfeeding rates fall short (60%) of the World Health Organization target (80%) due to many challenges including social stigma, lack of support, inadequate workplace policies, and aggressive marketing of breast milk substitutes. The world breastfeeding week aims to address these and empower women to make informed choices about feeding their infants. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Nurturing the Future,” emphasizing the role breastfeeding plays in promoting the health and well-being of both individuals and communities. As world breastfeeding week approaches, let us join hands to celebrate and advocate for breastfeeding as a fundamental right of every mother and child.