In a global call to action during World Breastfeeding Week 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) is urging countries to significantly invest in breastfeeding support systems to improve child health and survival worldwide. Celebrated annually from August 1 to 7 across more than 170 countries, this year’s campaign centers on the theme “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems,” highlighting the vital need for collaborative efforts to enable mothers to breastfeed successfully and sustainably.

Breastfeeding remains one of the most effective ways to safeguard infant health, providing ideal nutrition packed with antibodies that protect against common childhood illnesses. WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, followed by the introduction of safe, nutritious complementary foods while continuing breastfeeding for up to two years or beyond. Yet, globally, fewer than half of infants under six months are exclusively breastfed, indicating a substantial gap between recommendations and real-world practice.

“Breastmilk is more than just food—it’s a life-saving intervention for infants,” said Dr. Maria Neira, WHO Director of Environment, Climate Change and Health. “Investing in health systems that support breastfeeding mothers is essential to secure healthier futures for children, families, and communities.” She emphasized that breastfeeding reduces the risk of childhood infections, sudden infant death syndrome, chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes, and even lowers the risk of certain cancers in mothers.

WHO and UNICEF’s Global Breastfeeding Collective advocates for increased funding and national policies that fully implement the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes, enact family-friendly workplace breastfeeding policies, and enhance trained lactation counseling accessible to all mothers. The organization also encourages the accreditation of Baby-Friendly Hospitals and healthcare facilities adhering to the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, which provide environments that empower mothers to initiate and maintain breastfeeding.

Dr. Jeanette Vega, coordinator of the WHO Nutrition Program, explained, “Investment must go beyond hospitals. Community support, continued education, and workplace accommodations are crucial for sustained breastfeeding, especially for working mothers.” She added that countries with strong maternal and infant health policies see higher exclusive breastfeeding rates and better health outcomes for families.

The economic benefits are also compelling. Studies show that breastfeeding saves billions of dollars annually in healthcare costs globally by preventing disease and improving population health. However, aggressive and inappropriate marketing of breast-milk substitutes continues to undermine breastfeeding efforts, a challenge WHO actively addresses through monitoring and advocacy.

Real-life stories highlight the impact of breastfeeding support. Maria, a new mother in Brazil, shared, “With guidance and encouragement from my community health center, I was able to breastfeed exclusively for six months despite challenges. It made a huge difference in my baby’s health and bonding.”

The WHO urges governments, donors, and stakeholders to prioritize breastfeeding in health agendas and budget allocations. As World Breastfeeding Week 2025 closes, the focus turns toward sustainable, multisectoral strategies that normalize breastfeeding, protect mothers’ rights, and create environments where breastfeeding can thrive.

Summary and Next Steps

World Breastfeeding Week 2025 is a pivotal moment to reaffirm global commitment to breastfeeding as a cornerstone of child and maternal health. The WHO calls on countries to invest comprehensively—from healthcare facilities to community programs and workplace policies—to raise exclusive breastfeeding rates to at least 50% by 2025, aligning with the World Health Assembly target. Continued global cooperation, monitoring, and funding are essential to build sustainable breastfeeding support systems, ultimately improving health outcomes and saving lives.