World Breastfeeding Week (WBW), an annual celebration, is observed from 1st August until 7th August in more than 120 countries.
A UN initiative (WHO, UNICEF), WBW seeks to promote breastfeeding for the first six months of a newborn for it yields tremendous health benefits, including immunity against fatal diseases, and fostering growth and development.
This year’s WBW theme is ‘Breastfeeding support: Close to mothers.’ It highlights the need to continue exclusive breastfeeding for the fixed duration through peer support since “the key to best breastfeeding practices is continued day-to-day support for the mother within her home and community.”