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World Health Assembly recommends exclusive breastfeeding for first six months
Arun Gupta1, G P Mathur, Jagdish C Sobti
1Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India (BPNI), Delhi 110 088.
Journal of the Indian Medical Association
|April 5, 2003
Summary
Exclusive breastfeeding, providing only breast milk for six months, is a global health recommendation. Continued breastfeeding up to two years or beyond, with safe complementary foods, is also advised.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
- Nutrition
Background:
- Exclusive breastfeeding is defined as infant intake of only breast milk, excluding water and other liquids, except for supplements or medicines.
- Global health organizations recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the global public health recommendation for exclusive breastfeeding.
- To emphasize the importance of safe complementary feeding alongside continued breastfeeding.
Main Methods:
- Review of World Health Assembly (WHA) resolution WHA 54.2.
- Reference to guidelines issued by the Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India (BPNI).
Main Results:
- WHA 54.2 urges member states to support exclusive breastfeeding for six months.
- The recommendation includes providing safe complementary foods and continuing breastfeeding for up to two years or beyond.
Conclusions:
- Exclusive breastfeeding for six months is a key public health strategy.
- Continued breastfeeding with appropriate complementary feeding supports infant health up to two years and beyond.