BY SIBUSISEKILE NDLANGAMANDLA
MANZINI– Eswatini has joined more than 170 countries worldwide in commemorating World Breastfeeding Week 2026, with stakeholders renewing their commitment to creating an environment that supports mothers to breastfeed successfully.
The commemoration was held yesterday by the Ministry of Health through the Eswatini National Nutrition Council (ENNC), in collaboration with Health Promotion Eswatini, with support from UNICEF Eswatini through the Japan Project. It was commemorated under the theme “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life – Strengthen What Works” which calls for continued investment in effective breastfeeding interventions and stronger support systems for mothers and families.
The event brought together community volunteers, also known as “foot soldiers”, representatives from partner organisations and media houses to strengthen collaboration and improve the way breastfeeding information is shared with communities. The engagement provided an opportunity for community volunteers to share experiences and challenges they encounter while supporting mothers at community level. These discussions also enabled stakeholders to identify practical solutions that can strengthen the implementation of breastfeeding initiatives across the country.
Media representatives were encouraged to play a key role in ensuring that information reaching the public is accurate, consistent and easy to understand. The discussions further highlighted that mothers need more than information to breastfeed successfully. A supportive environment is equally important in helping mothers overcome challenges and maintain breastfeeding practices. Such support includes encouragement from families and communities, breastfeeding-friendly workplaces, skilled breastfeeding counselling and supportive health facilities.
Participants also emphasised the importance of maternity and parental protection, as well as policies that promote and protect breastfeeding. This demonstrated the value of bringing community-level experiences together with the work of health professionals, partners and the media. The commemoration also reaffirmed the country’s commitment to strengthening interventions that support breastfeeding and contribute to better nutrition outcomes for children.
As Eswatini continues to promote breastfeeding, stakeholders are encouraged to build on approaches that are already working while finding practical ways to improve support for mothers in communities, workplaces and health facilities.
#WorldBreastfeedingWeek2026 #WBW2026 #StrengthenWhatWorks #Breastfeeding #ENNC #NutritionForAll #SupportBreastfeeding
(Courtesy Pic)
