In Tunisia, the rate of breastfeeding drops significantly after six months, mainly due to a lack of awareness about its benefits and how to sustain milk production. This was stated by Olfa Rabeh, Secretary-General of the Hanen Association for the Promotion of Breastfeeding. According to Rabeh, family surroundings and some healthcare professionals sometimes encourage mothers to use artificial infant milk.
Despite 100% of mothers opting for breastfeeding immediately after childbirth, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of a child's life does not exceed 17.8%. This is based on data from the 2023 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS). Rabeh emphasized that extended breastfeeding, beyond six months, offers numerous benefits for both the mother and child.
Breastfeeding beyond six months contributes to reducing the risk of hemorrhage, promoting the mother's mental health, and decreasing the risk of breast cancer by 4% when continued for ten consecutive months. It also helps reduce expenses related to purchasing artificial milk and limits environmental pollution generated by packaging waste.
The Hanen Association organized the 7th National Breastfeeding Day in Tunis under the theme "Breastfeeding Today, Protecting Tomorrow." The event, part of the World Breastfeeding Week, brought together healthcare professionals, researchers, partners, and young start-ups. Discussions focused on current topics, including the links between breastfeeding and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The discussions highlighted the multiple impacts of breastfeeding on environmental protection, maternal and infant health, well-being, and prevention of infectious diseases. The International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes, adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO), was also a key topic of debate.
A roundtable on maternal health and breastfeeding was part of the program, within the framework of a project led by the Ministry of Health and the Basic Health Care Directorate. The exchanges addressed the mother's mental health after childbirth and the role of breastfeeding, based on available statistical data.
The project aims to establish a perinatal network, with a focus on the place given to breastfeeding within this system, led by the Ministry of Health and the Tunisian Neonatal Medicine Association. The event provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss ways to promote and support breastfeeding in Tunisia.
Key points
- The rate of exclusive breastfeeding in Tunisia drops to 17.8% after six months.
- Extended breastfeeding offers numerous health benefits for both mothers and children.
- Environmental benefits of breastfeeding include reduced pollution from packaging waste.
