Quick Reference Card
| Date | August 1-7 every year |
| Duration | Seven-day event |
| Observance | International |
| Celebrated in | Worldwide (120+ countries) |
| Observing Communities | Healthcare workers, mothers, families, NGOs, government health bodies and UNICEF partner organizations |
| Type of Event | International |
| Purpose of Event | To promote exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and to raise awareness about the health benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and infants. |
| Holiday Status | No (Awareness week, not a public holiday) |
| First Observed in | 1992 (Initiated by World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action) |
Quick Fact: World Breastfeeding Week was established to commemorate the Innocenti Declaration signed on August 1, 1990, which called for global action to protect, promote and support breastfeeding.
World Breastfeeding Week is observed every year from August 1 to 7 to promote breastfeeding and improve the health of babies and mothers around the world. This global campaign highlights the importance of exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of a baby's life and continued breastfeeding alongside complementary foods for up to two years and beyond.
History and Background
World Breastfeeding Week was first celebrated in 1992 following the adoption of the Innocenti Declaration on August 1, 1990. The declaration was signed by government policymakers, WHO, UNICEF and other organizations to protect, promote and support breastfeeding globally. The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) coordinates this annual campaign which is now observed in over 120 countries worldwide.
Purpose of World Breastfeeding Week
This week is mainly observed to:
Promote the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for infant health and development.
Advocate for supportive workplace and community environments for nursing mothers.
Encourage government policies protecting breastfeeding rights.
Raise awareness about the challenges faced by breastfeeding mothers.
How is World Breastfeeding Week Observed?
This week is observed worldwide through various activities such as:
Healthcare campaigns promoting breastfeeding awareness in hospitals and clinics.
Community education programs for new and expecting mothers.
Workplace policy advocacy for nursing breaks and lactation facilities.
Media campaigns and social media engagement to spread awareness.
Support group meetings for nursing mothers.
In Nepal, health organizations and hospitals conduct awareness programs, distribute educational materials and organize health camps for mothers and children during this week.
Importance of World Breastfeeding Week
This week is important for several reasons:
Breastfeeding reduces child mortality, malnutrition and disease incidence.
It improves maternal health outcomes including reduced cancer risk.
It supports food security and is an environmentally sustainable nutrition practice.
It is foundational for achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Conclusion
World Breastfeeding Week from August 1 to 7 serves as a global reminder of the critical importance of breastfeeding for the health of both mothers and children. By raising awareness and advocating for better policies and support systems, this week helps ensure that every mother has the opportunity and support to breastfeed her child.