With a dedicated mission to serve humanity,Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Uganda has commemorated World Breastfeeding Week in the Kyaka II and Rwamwanja refugee settlements in Kyegegwa District.
The event held under the global theme “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems,” brought together stakeholders from across sectors, including World Vision, Medical Teams International and the Office of the Prime Minister.
World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) is an annual global campaign, celebrated from August 1st to 7th, to promote breastfeeding as a vital aspect of infant and maternal health. It’s coordinated by the World Alliance for Breast Feeding Action and supported by organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF. The week aims to raise awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding and advocate for policies and support systems that enable mothers to breastfeed successfully.
Representatives emphasized the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a child’s life, followed by continued breastfeeding up to two years.
Mr. Ronald Mugabi from the Ministry of Health said that while the global target for exclusive breastfeeding is 60%, Uganda currently stands at 48%, indicating a need for strengthened advocacy and support.
ADRA Uganda’s REAL Project Manager Jerry Kiwanuka, noted that breastfeeding is crucial for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2 and 3, which focus on zero hunger and good health and well-being.
He also pointed to Article 40, Subsection 4 of the Ugandan Constitution, which obligates employers to to protect the rights of working women regarding maternity.
The celebration included presentations cultural performances, and interactive discussions on the benefits of breastfeeding, challenges faced by mothers, and ways to support breastfeeding mothers.
ADRA’s MEAL Officer, Nakato Faridah, highlighted the organization’s efforts to supplement mothers and children nutrition through smart climate agriculture and goat-rearing programs.
District officials and health experts urged fathers to support mothers in child care and advocated for employers to provide adequate maternity leave ad breastfeeding facilities at work places.
The event aimed to promote sustainable support systems for breastfeeding mothers in refugee settlements and host communities
Among the beneficiaries was Sifa Amahoro, a mother receiving care at ADRA Hospital in Kyaka II.
She expressed gratitude for the healthcare services provided but shared that she experiences pain while breastfeeding and struggles with low milk supply. She appealed for additional nutritional support, such as porridge, to help improve her condition