04/08/2026
MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES COMMEMORATES WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO SUPPORTING MOTHERS AND CHILDREN
The Ministry of Health and Social Services joined the global community in commemorating World Breastfeeding Week 2026, reaffirming its commitment to advancing maternal and child health through the protection, promotion, and support of breastfeeding.
Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services, Hon. Susan Ndjaleka, emphasized that breastfeeding is more than a choice; it is a public health priority that gives children the best start in life. She highlighted that breastfeeding provides optimal nutrition, strengthens immunity, protects children against infections and malnutrition, supports healthy growth and development, and contributes to improved maternal health.
The Deputy Minister called for collective action from government institutions, employers, health workers, communities, families, and partners to create an enabling environment where every mother receives the support needed to breastfeed successfully. She stressed the importance of strengthening breastfeeding counselling services at health facilities, expanding breastfeeding-friendly workplaces, increasing community awareness, and ensuring families actively support breastfeeding mothers.
UNICEF Namibia Country Representative Samuel Ocran encouraged fathers to play a more active role in supporting breastfeeding mothers, emphasizing that a father’s responsibility begins at birth, not only when a child starts walking. Representing the Khomas Governor, Katutura East Councillor Richard Gaoseb also called on parents to prioritise breastfeeding and encouraged greater involvement of fathers in initiatives that promote children’s health and wellbeing.
Hon. Susan Ndjaleka reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening maternal and child nutrition programmes, expanding breastfeeding support initiatives, and building sustainable systems that empower mothers and ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.
