The Daily Observer (Banjul)
22 August 2007
Breastfeeding babies immediately after birth can prevent a significant number of neonatal deaths in the developing countries, says UNICEF at the start of World Breastfeeding Week.
A study from Ghana published in the Journal Pediatrics indicates that 16 per cent of neonatal deaths can be prevented by breastfeeding infants from day one, rising to 22 per cent, if breastfeeding begins within one hour of birth. Early initiation of breastfeeding is the theme of this year's World Breastfeeding Week.
"More than one third of child deaths occur during the first fragile month of life," said UNICEF Executive Director, Ann M.Veneman. "Early breastfeeding provides critical nutrients, protects infants against deadly diseases and fosters growth and development."
The issue is particularly relevant in the sub-Saharan Africa, which has the highest infant mortality rate in the world. Around 10 per cent of all babies die before the age of one and most neonatal deaths occur at home. Though the rate of exclusive breastfeeding until the age of six months has more than doubled in the region since 1990-to 30 per cent-this still leaves hundreds of thousands of children vulnerable to disease and death.
UNICEF estimates that exclusive breastfeeding to the age of six months could prevent the deaths of 1.3 million children under the age of five each year. "It is critical to reach women in these homes and communities," said Veneman.
UNICEF support for integrated, community-based health care includes the promotion of exclusive breastfeeding and the agency works with partners, governments and communities to support national infant feeding legislation, improve ante-and post-natal care and boost resources for new mothers at the community-level.
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