Kenya’s exclusive breastfeeding rate increased significantly from 32 percent in 2008 to 61 percent in 2014, Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary (PS), Mary Muthoni Muriuki, has revealed.
Ms. Muriuki said that the government is dedicated to improving infant and young child nutrition by establishing a supportive policy and regulatory environment in efforts to achieve the globally recommended target of 70% of exclusive breastfeeding.
“Article 53 (1) (c) of the Constitution of Kenya guarantees every child the right to basic nutrition. Additionally, Section 29 of the Employment Act 2007 provides for 90 days of paid maternity leave, while Articles 71 and 72 of the Health Act 2017 mandate workplace support for breastfeeding mothers,” said the PS.
Ms Muriuki explained that given that slightly over half (52%) of working women return to work within three months after childbirth, creating a supportive environment for breastfeeding in workplaces is essential.
To support mothers in their breastfeeding endeavours, Ms. Muriuki said that Kenya is commemorating the World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) from August 1st to 7th with this year’s theme being “Closing the Gap – Breastfeeding Support for All,” highlights the importance of inclusivity and the need to reach all breastfeeding mothers in Kenya.
“In line with the WBW 2024 theme, the Ministry aims to ensure no woman is left behind in promoting breastfeeding. This includes mothers in correctional facilities, teenage mothers, mothers affected by emergencies, and breastfeeding mothers with disabilities, who often face unique challenges,” said the PS.
Ms. Muriuki highlighted that the government, through the Ministry of Health, has enacted policies and initiatives to support and promote breastfeeding. These include the Maternal, Infant, and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) guidelines, workplace support legislation, regulation of breastmilk substitutes (BMS) marketing, and monitoring initiatives.
Additionally, said the PS, the Baby-Friendly Community Initiative and Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative aim to equip healthcare workers and communities with the skills necessary to promote and sustain optimal breastfeeding practices.
“Despite these efforts, gaps remain, particularly in programme implementation. Breastfeeding is crucial for child survival, health, growth, and development, providing unparalleled benefits to both infants and mothers,” said Ms. Muriuki.
She highlighted that WHO and UNICEF recommend initiating breastfeeding within the first hour of birth and exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months, with continued breastfeeding for up to two years or beyond, breastmilk contains all the essential nutrients for a child’s first six months of life.
She disclosed that extensive research highlights the numerous benefits of breastfeeding.
“According to the Lancet’s 2016 series, breastfeeding prevents 823,000 deaths annually among children under five. About 87% of these deaths occur in infants under six months. Breastfeeding also reduces infection-related mortality by 88% among infants under three months, prevents 72% of all diarrhoea admissions and 57% of respiratory infection admissions. It decreases the incidence of diarrhoea and respiratory infections by 54% and 32%, respectively,” explained Ms. Muriuki.
Moreover, said the PS, breastfeeding positively impacts children’s cognitive development and reduces the risk of them becoming overweight or obese. For mothers, breastfeeding offers significant advantages, including a reduced risk of ovarian cancer. It results in a 6% decrease in the risk of invasive breast cancer for each year of breastfeeding.
“Approximately 20,000 deaths from illnesses such as breast cancer and diabetes are prevented annually through breastfeeding, with potential for further reductions with improved breastfeeding practices. Other benefits include aiding in mother-child bonding and birth spacing,” said the PS.
Ms. Muriuki said that through the World Breastfeeding Week, the Division of Nutrition and Dietetics will create awareness on breastfeeding benefits and support for mothers who face barriers to breastfeed adding that the Ministry will launch World Breastfeeding Week at Lang’ata Women’s Prison, Nairobi.
“Additionally, counties across Kenya will develop and adapt context-specific initiatives to create awareness about breastfeeding. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all partners supporting World Breastfeeding Week 2024. Your commitment and collaboration are invaluable in making this event successful and together we can close the gap and ensure breastfeeding support for all,” said Ms. Muriuki.
