News

Our warmest wishes for the New Year to everyone working across the region to increase awareness of the importance of exclusive breastfeeding - and save the lives of mothers and children !

More than 200 stakeholders from across the region learned how the Stronger With Breastmilk Only initiative is supporting health officials to increase rates of exclusive breastfeeding during webinars in French and English in early December. The webinar presented the regional initiative, including its objectives, tools and resources, and support for national programs.

Addressing the problem of exclusive breastfeeding in West and Central Africa called for a new approach – “business as usual” would not suffice, UNICEF West and Central Africa Nutrition Advisor Simeon Nanama told participants at the 11th Africa Food and Nutrition Security Day global webinar event in October. The new approach is Stronger With Breastmilk Only.

A series of articles published in Le Monde Afrique highlights the importance of exclusive breastfeeding across West Africa and discusses the obstacles to achieving the target of 50% exclusive breastfeeding by 2025.

The “Stronger with breastmilk only” campaign recently got a boost when Safiath, the popular musical artist in Niger, produced a song to support its awareness raising efforts, joining other artists who also produced songs. Read more.

More than 100 stakeholders from across West Africa participated in the first “Stronger With Breastmilk Only” virtual learning and sharing café organized by WHO, UNICEF and Alive & Thrive on Aug. 19.