Kenya’s exclusive increased significantly from 32 per cent in 2008 to 61 per cent in 2014, Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary (PS), Mary Muthoni Muriuki, has revealed.

Muriuki said that the government is dedicated to improving infant and young child nutrition by establishing a supportive policy and regulatory environment in efforts to achieve the globally recommended target of 70 per cent exclusive breastfeeding.

“Article 53(1)(c) of the Constitution of Kenya guarantees every child the right to basic nutrition. Additionally, Section 29 of the Employment Act 2007 provides for 90 days of paid maternity leave, while Articles 71 and 72 of the Health Act 2017 mandate workplace support for breastfeeding mothers,” said the PS.

Muriuki explained that given that slightly over half (52 per cent) of working women return to work within three months after childbirth, creating a supportive environment for breastfeeding in workplaces is essential.

To support mothers in their breastfeeding endeavours, Muriuki said that Kenya is commemorating World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) from August 1 to 7, with this year’s theme being “Closing the Gap– Breastfeeding Support for All,” which highlights the importance of inclusivity and the need to reach all breastfeeding mothers in Kenya.

“In line with the WBW 2024 theme, the Ministry aims to ensure no woman is left behind in promoting breastfeeding. This includes mothers in correctional facilities, teenage mothers, mothers affected by emergencies, and breastfeeding mothers with disabilities, who often face unique challenges,” said the PS.

Muriuki highlighted that the government, through the Ministry of Health, has enacted policies and initiatives to support and promote breastfeeding.

These include the Maternal, Infant, and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) guidelines, workplace support legislation, regulation of breastmilk substitutes (BMS) marketing, and monitoring initiatives

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Additionally, the PS said the Baby-Friendly Community Initiative and Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative aim to equip healthcare workers and communities with the skills necessary to promote and sustain optimal breastfeeding practices.

“Despite these efforts, gaps remain, particularly in programme implementation. Breastfeeding is crucial for child survival, health, growth, and development, providing unparalleled benefits to both infants and mothers,” said Muriuki.

She highlighted that the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) recommend initiating breastfeeding within the first hour of birth and exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months, with continued breastfeeding for up to two years or beyond.

Breastmilk contains all the essential nutrients for a child’s first six months of life. She disclosed that extensive research highlights the numerous benefits of breastfeeding.

“According to the Lancet’s 2016 series, breastfeeding prevents 823,000 deaths annually among children under five.

About 87 per cent of these deaths occur in infants under six months. Breastfeeding also reduces infection-related mortality by 88 per cent among infants under three months and prevents 72 per cent of all diarrhoea admissions and 57 per cent of respiratory infection admissions. It decreases the incidence of diarrhoea and respiratory infections by 54 per cent and 32 per cent, respectively,” explained Muriuki.

Moreover, said the PS, breastfeeding positively impacts children’s cognitive development and reduces the risk of them becoming overweight or obese.

For mothers, breastfeeding offers significant advantages, including a reduced risk of ovarian cancer. It results in a six per cent decrease in the risk of invasive breast cancer for each year of breastfeeding.

“Approximately 20,000 deaths from illnesses, such as breast cancer and diabetes are prevented annually through breastfeeding, with potential for further reductions with improved breastfeeding practices. Other benefits, include aiding in mother-child bonding and birth spacing,” said the PS.