FDA, MoH launch 2024 Breastfeeding Awareness Campaign to “Close the Gap” in support for mothers

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), in partnership with the Ministry of Health, has launched the 2024 Breastfeeding Awareness Month under the theme “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All.”

The campaign seeks to address barriers preventing mothers from breastfeeding and to help Ghana reach its breastfeeding targets by 2030.

Dr. Delese A.A. Darko, CEO of the FDA, highlighted the critical role breastfeeding plays in child development, calling it “a public health imperative.” She emphasized that while breastfeeding rates in Ghana have improved, significant gaps remain.

Only 52% of newborns are breastfed within the first hour of birth, and just 43% of infants are exclusively breastfed under six months, far below the 2030 targets of 70%.

The FDA’s efforts this year include raising awareness about breastfeeding regulations, intensifying monitoring of violations of Ghana’s Breastfeeding Promotion Regulation (LI 1667), and educating the public on sanctions for non-compliance.

The campaign also aims to support mothers, particularly those balancing careers with breastfeeding, by promoting breastfeeding-friendly workplace policies.

Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, Minister of Health, underscored the Ministry’s commitment to enforcing breastfeeding regulations, scaling baby-friendly hospital initiatives, and launching public campaigns to normalize breastfeeding nationwide.

A significant milestone in this year’s launch is the introduction of a public reporting QR code, allowing citizens to report violations of breastfeeding regulations.

Both the FDA and the Ministry of Health called for collective action, urging families, employers, healthcare workers, and communities to support breastfeeding mothers as part of a shared societal responsibility.

The campaign will roll out nationwide through media engagements, public education in markets and places of worship, and enhanced monitoring of breastfeeding promotion.

Credit: Citi News