The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has commemorated World Breastfeeding Week 2026, calling for stronger measures to protect, promote and support breastfeeding in the country under the theme, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.”
In a press statement issued yesterday, the Authority urged government, healthcare professionals, employers, families, communities and development partners to strengthen policies and programmes that have been effective in improving breastfeeding outcomes.
It stated that breastfeeding remains one of the most effective and cost-efficient public health interventions for improving child survival, nutrition and development, noting that breast milk provides the nutrients infants need during the first six months of life and helps protect them against diarrhea, respiratory infections, childhood obesity and other illnesses.
It also stressed the importance of continued breastfeeding alongside appropriate complementary feeding up to two years and beyond, stating that such practice contributes to healthy growth, cognitive development and long-term well-being.
The Authority said the benefits of breastfeeding extend beyond children, adding that mothers also gain significant health benefits from the practice, citing the reduction of the risk of breast and ovarian cancers, supporting recovery after childbirth as well as strengthening the emotional bond between mothers and their children.
It added that breastfeeding can contribute to the reduction of environmental waste while supporting more sustainable food systems since breast milk is a natural and renewable source of infant nutrition which does not require manufacturing, packaging or transportation, and is environmentally sustainable.
It further cited several challenges that continue to affect efforts to achieve optimal breastfeeding despite public health intervention, which includes aggressive marketing of breastmilk substitutes, changing lifestyles, workplace constraints, misinformation and inadequate support from families and communities.
The FDA has assured the public of its commitment to protect breastfeeding through the implementation and enforcement of the Breastfeeding Promotion Regulation, 2000 (L.I. 1667), which regulates the marketing and distribution of breastmilk substitutes in the country, stressing the Authority’s continued efforts to monitor compliance, conduct market surveillance, educate stakeholders as well as work with partners to ensure mothers have access to accurate and evidence-based information on infant feeding.
The Authority stated that it would collaborate with the Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service, Ubora Quality Institute, the media and other stakeholders on nationwide public education and regulatory enforcement.
By Florence Adom Asamoah