Breastfeeding Critical for Child Survival in Mozambique Following Cyclones

The WHO has always encouraged breastfeeding across Africa, breastmilk is the best source of food for babies, and it contains the vitally important colostrum that can help protect them from disease. However, often in emergency zones when the risk of diarrhoea, pneumonia and malnutrition at an all-time high breastfeeding is forgotten.

The WHO has warned that women in times of food insecurity should continue with breastfeeding despite concerns they should switch to formula.

Dr Hana Bekele an expert in child health and nutrition at the WHO said the following;

"What is most important right now, in this emergency, is to give breastfeeding mothers all possible support so that they can continue to breastfeed," she says. "These people are traumatized; they have lost everything and are under a lot of stress, so we need to support them to do the best thing for their children's health. Breastfeeding women need everyone's support."