Every August, Uganda joins the rest of the world in commemorating World Breastfeeding Month, a moment to celebrate one of the most powerful, affordable and life-saving public health interventions available.
This year’s global theme is, ‘Breastfeeding for a sustainable start in life. Strengthen what works’. It reminds us that we already possess the knowledge, policies and evidence needed to improve child survival and nutrition. The challenge before us is to reinforce these proven interventions and ensure that every mother receives the support she needs to breastfeed successfully.
Breastfeeding is far more than a feeding practice. It is a child’s first source of nutrition, first protection against disease and first investment in lifelong health. Breast milk contains all the nutrients an infant requires during the first six months of life while providing antibodies that protect against diarrhoea, pneumonia and other infectious diseases that remain major causes of illness among young children. It also supports healthy brain development, strengthens immunity and lays the foundation for improved educational achievement and productivity later in life.
The World Health Organisation recommends that every newborn be breastfed within the first hour after birth, exclusively breastfed for the first six months, and continue breastfeeding alongside appropriate complementary foods until at least two years of age.
These recommendations are supported by decades of scientific evidence demonstrating that optimal breastfeeding saves lives and improves maternal and child health. Uganda has made encouraging progress.
According to the Ministry of Health, exclusive breastfeeding among infants under six months has increased significantly over recent years, reaching approximately 94 percent, while early initiation of breastfeeding has also improved substantially.
These achievements reflect the dedication of health workers, Village Health Teams, development partners and communities that have worked tirelessly to promote infant and young child feeding. They also demonstrate that when evidence-based interventions are implemented consistently, meaningful progress is possible. However, success should not make us complacent.
Many mothers continue to face challenges such as inadequate breastfeeding support after delivery, early return to work, misinformation, cultural misconceptions and the growing influence of breast milk substitute marketing. These barriers often prevent mothers from achieving their breastfeeding goals despite their willingness to do so.
This year’s theme calls upon us to strengthen what works. We know that skilled breastfeeding counselling during pregnancy and after childbirth improves breastfeeding outcomes. We know that baby-friendly hospital practices help mothers initiate breastfeeding early. We know that maternity protection, supportive workplaces, father involvement, community education and strong health systems all contribute to successful breastfeeding.
Rather than searching for new solutions, Uganda must continue expanding these interventions so that every family benefits. Breastfeeding is not solely a mother’s responsibility Investing in breastfeeding is also an investment in Uganda’s economy. Healthy children require fewer hospital visits, perform better in school and grow into healthier, more productive adults. Families spend less on treatment for preventable illnesses and avoid unnecessary expenditure on infant formula. Every shilling invested in breastfeeding promotion yields significant returns through improved health, reduced healthcare costs and enhanced national productivity.
As we commemorate World Breastfeeding Month 2026, let us move beyond awareness campaigns and translate commitment into action. Let every health facility strengthen breastfeeding counselling. Let every employer support breastfeeding mothers. Let every father stand beside his partner. Let every community protect, promote and support breastfeeding.
Most importantly, let every Ugandan recognise that breastfeeding is not only a mother’s choice it is a national responsibility.