The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of the Jubaland State of Somalia has commemorated World Breastfeeding Week with a public awareness event aimed at promoting the importance of breastfeeding and encouraging mothers to exclusively breastfeed their infants during the first months of life.
The event brought together the Director General of the Ministry of Health, Mohamed Hussein Mohamed, the Chairperson of the Social Affairs Committee of the Jubaland Parliament, MP Shire, ministry department directors, ministry staff, representatives of international partner organizations, religious leaders, civil society groups, and other distinguished guests.
Speakers at the event underscored that breastfeeding remains one of the most important foundations of child health and development. They highlighted that breast milk provides the most complete and effective source of nutrition for infants, helping to strengthen the immune system, reduce the risk of disease, and support healthy physical and cognitive development.
Addressing the gathering, Director General Mohamed Hussein Mohamed noted that the rate of exclusive breastfeeding among Somali children remains below the desired level, a situation that can negatively affect children’s health, growth, and overall development.
He emphasized that this year’s campaign focuses on increasing public awareness and encouraging mothers to exclusively breastfeed their babies during the first six months of life, in line with global health recommendations.
The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of Jubaland called on families, communities, religious leaders, health partners, and relevant institutions to work together in supporting and promoting breastfeeding, describing it as a vital investment in the health and future of children.
World Breastfeeding Week is a global campaign observed annually to raise awareness of the life-saving benefits of breastfeeding. The campaign advocates for exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of a child’s life, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside nutritious complementary foods until at least two years of age, helping to ensure healthy growth and a brighter future for children.
