Yei Marks World Breastfeeding Week with Call to Support Mothers

(YEI RIVER COUNTY)— Health officials in Yei River County are calling for stronger support for breastfeeding mothers, stating that the first hours and months of a child’s life are critical to survival, healthy growth and development.

The call came during World Breastfeeding Week celebrations on Friday in Yei, where health officials highlighted the importance of early and exclusive breastfeeding.

Dr. Elioba John Walter, MSF medical coordinator support, urged mothers to begin breastfeeding within the first hour after delivery and exclusively breastfeed for the first six months.

He encouraged mothers to continue breastfeeding alongside complementary foods until the child reaches at least two years. He said, this will strengthen children’s immunity, support brain development and protect them from malnutrition.

“Every child deserves the best start in life,” Walter said.

The event was organized by Koneta Hub in partnership with the Ministry of Health and UNICEF under the theme, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.”

Health experts say breast milk provides infants with essential nutrients and antibodies that help protect them from infections while supporting healthy growth and development.

For mothers, however, maintaining breastfeeding can depend on other circumstances rather than personal choice.

“Breastfeeding is very important in the life of a child,” said one breastfeeding mother who attended the event. “It helps our children grow well and stay healthy.”

Mrs. Nunu Diana, director general in the State Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, said mothers need support from their families, communities and the wider society to breastfeed successfully.

She linked successful breastfeeding to other issues, including peace and food security, saying difficult living conditions can make it harder for mothers to provide adequate nutrition for their children.

A representative of Koneta Hub said called for continued efforts to ensure mothers continue to breastfeed their children exclusively.

The celebrations ended with a call for government institutions, development partners, families and communities to support breastfeeding mothers throughout the year rather than limiting efforts to World Breastfeeding Week.

Speakers said sustained support for breastfeeding can help give children a healthier start in life while contributing to stronger families and healthier communities.