Uganda tackles breastfeeding gaps among vulnerable mothers
KAMPALA | A recent walk marking the end of World Breastfeeding Week has highlighted a critical issue in Uganda: breastfeeding inequalities among vulnerable women.
Organised by the Ministry of Health, UNICEF Uganda, and other partners, the event underscored the disparities affecting mothers across the country.
This year’s campaign, themed “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All,” focused on the unique challenges faced by mothers from low-income families, teenage mothers, and those living in remote areas.
These women often lack the necessary support to successfully breastfeed their children.
Munir Safieldin, UNICEF’s Representative to Uganda, stressed the ongoing need for targeted interventions.
“The campaign should not end here. No one must be left behind, especially vulnerable mothers who may need additional support to reduce breastfeeding inequalities,” he said.
Safieldin's statement reflects the urgency of addressing these disparities to ensure all mothers can give their children the best start in life.
While breastfeeding is vital for infant and maternal health, offering life-saving benefits, it is not always feasible for many Ugandan mothers due to a lack of resources, knowledge, and support. This challenge is particularly acute for vulnerable women, who already face significant barriers in their daily lives.
UNICEF has consistently called for greater support for these mothers. A recent report by the organization found that women in low-resource settings are more likely to face challenges such as malnutrition, lack of clean water, and inadequate access to healthcare.
These factors make it difficult for them to initiate and sustain breastfeeding, deepening the inequalities they face.
As Uganda advances its efforts to promote breastfeeding, the focus must remain on bridging the gap for these vulnerable groups.
Ensuring every mother has the support needed to breastfeed is not just a health issue but also a matter of equity and social justice.
