World Breastfeeding Week

World Breastfeeding Week was first celebrated in 1992 by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA). The week commemorates the Innocenti Declaration signed by World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), government policy makers and other organisations in August 1990, to protect, promote and support breastfeeding. Breastfeeding Week is an annual celebration that starts on August 1 until August 7. The objectives of Breastfeeding Week are to encourage breastfeeding and to improve the health of babies around the world. WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding from within one hour after birth until the baby is six months old. Breastfeeding can continue until the child is two years old or beyond, with the addition of nutritious complementary foods. Today, more than 120 countries in the world celebrate the annual World Breastfeeding Week. World Breastfeeding Week is organised by WHO, UNICEF and WABA. Breastfeeding yields tremendous health benefits, provides critical nutrients, protects the child from deadly diseases such as pneumonia, and fosters growth and development.