A baby is breastfed during feeding time. Health authorities are urging mothers to exclusively breastfeed for the first six months to improve child survival and reduce malnutrition.
Less than one in four South African babies is exclusively breastfed during their first six months of life, with health experts warning that the country's declining breastfeeding rate contributes to rising child malnutrition and preventable illnesses.
According to the National Food and Nutrition Security Survey, South Africa's exclusive breastfeeding rate stands at 22.2%, while the Eastern Cape records a slightly higher rate of about 25%. The figures remain well below global targets and come as the country continues to battle high levels of child malnutrition and stunting.
Against this backdrop, the Eastern Cape Department of Health visited Nkondlo village in the Ngcobo Local Municipality this week as part of World Breastfeeding Week, urging mothers, families and communities to support exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a child's life.
Provincial health officials said the campaign was aimed at protecting children from diseases that continue to claim young lives.
