Zambia: The Ministry of Health in Zambia organized a National Nutrition Information System (NIS) Data Review meeting. The gathering in Katete was hosted with the aim of gathering crucial information on the nutrition of the country.
The officials have shared the result of the data review meeting suggests that only 64% of nursing mothers in Zambia adhere to exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. This is low in contrast to the 80% national target recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The officials have shared that they have shared they conducted a review of the data for the year 2024. The Ministry of Health Senior Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officer for Data Utilization, Muchindu Mapiki addressed the healthcare stakeholders during the meeting.
Speaking during the 2024 National Nutrition Information System (NIS) Data Review Workshop, he highlighted that the current adherence rate of 64% falls short of national goals. The officials have shared that there are some positive statistics for the breastfeeding mothers.
The Ministry of Health of Health official, Mapiki however said that 83% of mothers initiate breastfeeding within the first hour of birth, surpassing the 80% national target, which is a positive indicator for infant health and nutrition.
The WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby’s life. After this period, after which nutritious complementary foods should be introduced while continuing breastfeeding up to two years or beyond.
Breast milk, according to the WHO, is the optimal source of nutrition for newborns and infants. They said that breast milk contains essential antibodies that protect against common childhood illnesses.
Exclusive breastfeeding significantly reduces infant morbidity and mortality by strengthening the baby’s immune system. The practice of breastfeeding also helps in promoting healthy growth and development.
Other WHO guidelines recommend that breastfeeding should begin within the first hour of birth, be done on demand, as often as the baby requires and continue alongside complementary feeding after six months.
Improving awareness and support for exclusive breastfeeding is crucial in achieving Zambia’s national nutrition targets and improving child health outcomes.