August 2025 is observed globally as Breastfeeding Awareness Month, a time dedicated to highlighting the critical role of breastfeeding in promoting infant and maternal health. Under this year’s theme, “Enabling Breastfeeding: Making a Difference for Working Parents,” health advocates, governments, and communities are joining forces to promote policies and practices that support nursing mothers both at home and in the workplace.
Breastfeeding has long been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF as a cornerstone of child survival, nutrition, and development.
According to health experts, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life provides babies with optimal nutrition and immunity, significantly reducing infant mortality rates and preventing illnesses such as diarrhea and pneumonia.
The Need for Supportive Environments
Despite the well-documented benefits, many mothers face barriers that prevent them from breastfeeding exclusively or for as long as recommended. These include inadequate maternity leave, lack of breastfeeding-friendly workplaces, social stigma, and limited access to lactation support.
Speaking at a health forum in Accra to kick off the month’s activities, a representative from the Ghana Health Service (GHS) emphasized the importance of multi-sectoral support.
“Supporting breastfeeding is not the sole responsibility of mothers — it requires employers, health institutions, families, and policy-makers to come together,” the official noted. “We must ensure women are not forced to choose between their jobs and their babies’ health.”
Progress and Challenges in Ghana
In Ghana, national data indicates that while awareness of breastfeeding is high, exclusive breastfeeding rates still vary widely across regions. The GHS and Ministry of Health, in collaboration with partners like UNICEF, continue to implement awareness campaigns, train healthcare workers, and advocate for stronger workplace protections for nursing mothers.
However, challenges persist, particularly in urban areas, where formal employment and limited maternity support create obstacles for breastfeeding mothers.
Call to Action
Throughout August, stakeholders are encouraged to:
- Promote breastfeeding-friendly workplace policies, including lactation rooms and flexible work hours
- Support public awareness campaigns to normalize breastfeeding in all settings
- Train healthcare providers on lactation management and mother-centered care
- Advocate for extended maternity leave and social protection for working mothers
As the world celebrates Breastfeeding Month, the message is clear: Breastfeeding is a shared responsibility, and creating an enabling environment is key to ensuring that every child gets the best start in life.
