2024 World Breastfeeding Week: An International Crusader for the Rights and Responsibilities of the Child, Dr Eric Oluedo, has appreciated World Health Organization (WHO) and ScienceDirect for accepting that a child that is on Exclusive Breast Feeding (EBF), is also entitled to Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), or Drops/Syrups of Vitamins, Minerals or Medicines.
Speaking on the Theme for 2024 World Breastfeeding Week: “Closing the gap: Breastfeeding support for all”, Dr Oluedo who is also a Nutritionist, condemned Health Practitioners who insist that only breast milk will be given to an infant for the first 6 months.
ScienceDirect clearly stated that “Exclusive Breast Feeding (EBF) refers to the practice of giving an infant breast milk only up to the age of six months, except for Oral Rehydration Solutions or drops/syrups of vitamins, minerals or medicines”. According to World Health Organization (WHO) “Exclusive Breast Feeding means that the infant receives only breast milk. No other liquids or solids are given – not even water – with the exception of oral rehydration solution, or drops/syrups of vitamins, minerals or medicines”.
If we recall that Ingredients for Oral Rehydration Solution include: Six (6) level teaspoons of Sugar. Half (1/2) level teaspoon of Salt. One Litre of clean drinking or boiled water and then cooled; and if we recall that our infants are denied these in the name of Exclusive Breast Feeding (EBF), you then know why only 29% Africans practice EBF.
World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) started in 1992, with annual themes including healthcare systems, women and work, the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes, community support, ecology, economy, science, education, and human rights. It is supported by WHO, UNICEF and many Ministries of Health and civil society partners
From August 1 to 7 globally, World breastfeeding Week is celebrated to highlight the importance of nursing for a baby to ensure the best nutrition and overall health. This day promotes supportive policies that empower mothers, educate families, and increase awareness. Emphasising its significance, the event supports healthy communities by promoting breastfeeding and offering tools to guarantee that every child has the greatest possible start in life.
The campaign will celebrate breastfeeding mothers in all their diversity, throughout their breastfeeding journeys, while showcasing the ways families, societies communities and health workers can have the back of every breastfeeding mother by allowing an infant on Exclusive breastfeeding to also receive Oral Rehydration Solutions or drops/syrups of vitamins, minerals or medicines.
