Muscat – The world celebrates World Breastfeeding Week from August 1 to 7 with a new theme each year.

The day is commemorated by the Ministry of Health (MoH), represented by the Nutrition Department of the Directorate General of Primary Health Care, in partnership with the World Health Organization Country Office in Oman and relevant public and private entities.

This year’s theme – ‘Step up for Breastfeeding: Educate and Support’ – highlights the role of awareness and education on exclusive breastfeeding and related issues in the community. It also emphasises the role of sustaining breastfeeding-friendly environments to foster the health of children and mothers alike.

This year, Breastfeeding Week will also focus on strengthening the capacities of the key actors that protect, promote and support breastfeeding at various social levels.

According to the results of the National Nutrition Survey 2017, Oman’s exclusive breastfeeding rate is 23 per cent, which highlights the need for additional measures and efforts to increase awareness and support work in this area.

Dr Jean Jabbour, WHO representative in Oman, informed that breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways of reducing health risks associated with malnutrition conditions such as stunting, underweight, overweight and obesity.

“The WHO Country Office’s commitment to breastfeeding awareness is evident. Supporting activities were included in the Country Cooperation Strategy 2021-2025 and the Country Support Plan 2022-2023 which are aligned with the WHO Thirteenth General Programme of Work 2019-2023 and the Eastern Mediterranean Vision 2023,” Dr Jabbour said.

As part of this week’s programme, the Nutrition Department – in cooperation with WHO – is organising several activities, including setting up an awareness booth in Oasis Mall, with the participation of several health institutions and relevant authorities, to raise awareness about aspects related to breastfeeding, and to promote exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of a newborn’s life.

A visit is also planned to the breastfeeding clinic and maternity wards in The Royal Hospital, where interactive educational sessions will be held for the mothers in attendance to emphasise the significance of exclusive breastfeeding and its benefits on the health and development of children in accordance with WHO recommendations. To encourage improved compliance, breastfeeding covers provided by WHO will be distributed at the end of these sessions.

The week will feature several activities in different governorates with efforts dedicated to encourage exclusive breastfeeding in health institutions and the community through awareness campaigns and mother-support programmes.

Health institutions have designated breastfeeding corners and clinics to support attending mothers’ needs and concerns.

Additionally, the Nutrition Department – in cooperation with WHO and the Health Education Department – has created several breastfeeding awareness messages to be circulated in MoH and WHO’s social media channels (Twitter and Instagram). Educational messages will also be disseminated through the official mass media channels.