3 August 2010 - Breast milk provides a baby with all the essential fluids, energy and nutrients needed during the first six months of life, according to a campaign launched this week by the Ministry of Public Health with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the UN World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners.

This year’s theme, “Breastfeeding: Just 10 Steps - the Baby Friendly Way,” spotlights the impact health-care workers have on how mothers decide to feed their babies.

“Action is also needed to ensure that breastfeeding mothers are supported … by their husbands, families, and the community at large,” Peter Crowley, UNICEF country representative, told an assembly of provincial authorities, doctors, nurses and other health sector workers in Herat city in the west.

While early initiation of breastfeeding can decrease newborn mortality by around 20 per cent, the majority of women do not breastfeed, according to UNICEF.

In a country where access to clean water is often lacking, breastfeeding can keep young children safe from dangerous - often fatal - water borne diseases such as diarrhoea.

The campaign, launched on Sunday, is also meant to highlight the benefits of breastfeeding at later stages. Breast milk meets half or more of a child’s nutritional needs in the first year and up to a third in the second year.

The Breastfeeding Week campaign runs in most countries through Saturday.

By UNAMA/Henri Burgard