Every year from August 1st to 7th, people celebrate World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) globally to encourage breastfeeding and improve the health of mothers and babies around the world.

As we all know, for infants to perform better, the WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding until a baby is six months old, and continued breastfeeding with the addition of nutritious complementary foods for up to two years or beyond. Breastfeeding also lowers a mother’s risk of breast and ovarian cancers.

This year's theme, “Protect Breastfeeding: A Shared Responsibility” helps to raise awareness about the benefits of supporting breastfeeding mothers. The purpose of dedicating this week to breastfeeding mothers is to make the breastfeeding culture universal and to help provide support for it everywhere.

I join the world in marking the #WorldBreastfeedingWeek as an effective way to ensure child health and survival.

H.E. Barr. Chioma Uzodimma
First Lady, Imo State and Founder, GoodHope Fluorish Foundation