INADEQUATE support, societal pressures and insufficient workplace policies are affecting breastfeeding mothers amid calls for government, civil society and families to collaborate in creating an environment that protects, promotes and supports breastfeeding sustainably.
Zimbabwe is currently commemorating the World Breastfeeding Week which is set for the first week of August.
World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated from August 1 to 7 and it is running under the theme: Prioritise Breastfeeding, Create Sustainable Support Systems.
The initiative aims to raise awareness about the critical role of breastfeeding in child health and mothers’ wellbeing.
In a statement yesterday, Nutrition Action Zimbabwe (NAZ) emphasised the importance of sustainable support systems for breastfeeding, urging collective action to enhance maternal and child health.
Nutrition Action Zimbabwe is an organisation committed to improving nutrition and health.
The organisation said breastfeeding was vital for providing infants with essential nutrients, antibodies and cognitive development support while offering significant health benefits to mothers, including a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
“Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival, providing infants with essential nutrients, antibodies and promoting cognitive development.
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“It also offers significant health benefits for mothers, reducing the risk of breast and ovarian cancer and it promotes postpartum recovery.
“Despite these undeniable advantages, many mothers face significant barriers, including inadequate support, societal pressures and insufficient workplace policies, which hinder their ability to sustain breastfeeding practices,” the organisation said.
Nutrition Action Zimbabwe executive director Tapiwa Magaisa said promoting breastfeeding was vital in building robust, sustainable support systems that stood the test of time.
“We believe that promoting breastfeeding is vital in building robust, sustainable support systems that stand the test of time,” he said.
"Since 2014, our work has focused on empowering communities, strengthening health systems and advocating for policies that create an enabling environment for every mother to make informed choices and receive the support she needs for successful breastfeeding.
“This World Breastfeeding Week, we renew our call for collective action to invest in sustainable solutions that will benefit generations to come.”
Nutrition Action Zimbabwe has been actively working since 2014 to address these challenges, focusing on community-driven initiatives and health system strengthening.
It has implemented various projects, such as training local women as peer counsellors to provide on-going support to new mothers.
The organisation collaborates with the government through the Health and Child Care ministry to strengthen breastfeeding initiatives, particularly in addressing malnutrition and improving child health outcomes.
It also partners Unicef and CARE Zimbabwe and Action Contre la Faim to deliver accessible, evidence-based lactation support across several districts through trained nutrition specialists, including village health workers, health workers in clinics and outreach programmes.
It is currently working in Beitbridge, Buhera, Chipinge, Chivi, Gokwe North, Gutu, Kariba, Mangwe, Mutare, Tsholotsho and Zaka districts.
Nutrition Action Zimbabwe nutrition manager Chisichawo Mutendadzamera emphasised the importance of consistent support for mothers.
“When mothers receive consistent, informed support from their families, healthcare providers, the community, and policy-makers, the positive impact on child health, nutrition and even economic development is profound and lasting,” she said.
