PhnomPenhPost-Aug 26, 2023
As part of the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) movement, UNICEF, World Vision International Cambodia and their partners have issued a statement warning of a sharp decline in breastfeeding rates in the country, as shown by the latest Cambodia Demographic Health Survey (CDHS 2021-22). The survey shows that early breastfeeding – giving a baby breast milk within one hour of birth – dropped from 66 to 54 per cent in the last decade, while exclusive breastfeeding – feeding babies only breast milk for the first six months of life – has fallen from 74 to 50 per cent, according to a UNICEF press release. “These results are worrisome, as breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival at the start of life,” said the release. Will Parks, UNICEF representative to Cambodia, described breast milk as one of the greatest gifts a mother can give to her child. Infants nurtured through breastfeeding are more likely to survive, are more protected against life-threatening diseases, and grow into healthier adults. The CDHS 2021-22 identified several factors that may have contributed to the decline in breastfeeding rates, such as continued aggressive marketing of breast milk substitutes (BMS) like infant formula, lack of awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding over BMS, and limited support for breastfeeding mothers as they return to work. Women made up 47.1 per cent of the total labour force in Cambodia in 2022, yet paid maternity leave in the country is currently only 90 days, which is shorter than the minimum International Labor Organization’s (ILO) recommendation of 18 weeks (126 days). Read more at: https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/ngos-warn-sharp-decline-breastfeeding
