World Breastfeeding Week Observed at National Level

Asmara, 04 August 2026 – World Breastfeeding Week has been observed at the national level today, 4 August, in Asmara under the theme “Breastfeeding Is a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.”

Sister Amleset Hagos, Head of Gastronomy at the Ministry of Health, said that breast milk requires no preparation or supplementary feeding, is naturally available and clean, contributes significantly to infants’ development, and contains all the essential nutrients they need.

Noting that there is a tendency to undervalue breastfeeding and replace breast milk with manufactured formula, Sister Amleset called on mothers to give priority to this essential and natural source of nutrition for their infants.

Noting that the observance serves as a reminder to promote breastfeeding and invest in children, Mr. Amanuel Girmatsion, Head of Communication and Training at the Ministry of Health, said that responsibility for children’s development should not be left to mothers alone and called for stronger community participation.

At the event, the Eritrean Medical Association conducted a conference focusing on the importance of breastfeeding for children’s development, the consequences of stopping breastfeeding prematurely, and the role of fathers in these efforts.

The participants held extensive discussions on the issues raised at the conference and adopted various recommendations. Awards were also presented to the winners of a general knowledge competition.

World Breastfeeding Week is being observed for the 34th time at the international level and for the 24th time at the national level.