Introducing the Global Breastfeeding Advocacy Initiative
Breastfeeding is a powerful life-saver. It is also a critical to the long term health and well-being of both mother and child.
Unfortunately, the majority of world’s mothers are not able to optimally breastfeed their children. In fact, just 38% of infants are exclusively breastfed in the first six months and suboptimal breastfeeding practices contribute to roughly 800,000 child deaths annually.
In response, UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Global Breastfeeding Advocacy Initiative with the aim of raising visibility and political commitment for breastfeeding worldwide. 1,000 Days is proud to work with UNICEF and WHO to lead this initiative which is comprised of several partners including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Bank, Save the Children, Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, International Baby Food Action Network, and World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action, among others. The Global Breastfeeding Advocacy Initiative aims to:
- Foster leadership and alliances and effectively integrate and communicate breastfeeding messages.
- Mobilize resources for breastfeeding support and protection and promote accountability
- Build knowledge and evidence to enhance breastfeeding policies, programs, financing and communication.
You can learn more about the Global Breastfeeding Advocacy Initiative here.