From Global Promises to Reality: Why Breastfeeding is Key to Saving Mothers and Babies

Every hour, the world loses 20 women, 114 newborns, and 300 children under the age of 5, as highlighted by Dr. Jean Kaseya during the recent International Maternal and Newborn Health Conference in Nairobi. While breastfeeding is one of the most effective interventions for child survival, approximately 820,000 child deaths globally are still attributed to suboptimal breastfeeding. Exclusive breastfeeding rates in Kenya have slightly declined from 61% in 2014 to 60% in 2022, highlighting an urgent need for practical support for mothers.