Damascus: On the occasion of World Breastfeeding Week, the Ministry of Public Health, in partnership with UNICEF and in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Bank, and other partners, launched a national campaign focused on breastfeeding and the Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) Capacity Building Programme. This initiative underscores Lebanon's dedication to enhancing support for breastfeeding and improving feeding practices, acknowledging their crucial role in child development and health.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the Minister of Public Health, Dr. Rakan Nassereldine, emphasized the Ministry's commitment to advancing programs that benefit maternal and child health. He highlighted the importance of investing in early-life nutrition as a step towards healthier communities and a prosperous future for the nation.
The launch of the Community Infant and Young Child Feeding Package, along with an updated IYCF training toolkit and complementary feeding guidance, aims to equip caregivers and health professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to offer evidence-based counseling and support to families. Marcoluigi Corsi, the UNICEF Representative in Lebanon, noted that this initiative goes beyond awareness, as it strengthens systems that will continue to support children and families in the long term.
Dr. Yutaro Setoya, WHO Deputy Representative in Lebanon, stressed the significance of nutrition in the first two years of life for shaping a child's future. The new feeding guidance provides health workers with tools to offer consistent advice to families. Mouna Couzi from the World Bank highlighted the investment in child nutrition as a crucial step for building Lebanon's human capital and supporting healthcare workers in delivering quality nutrition services.
The National IYCF Capacity Building Programme is designed to enhance the skills of health professionals, ensuring families receive appropriate support on breastfeeding and complementary feeding. This program contributes to a stronger foundation for nutrition services and a better health system, empowering parents and caregivers to make informed choices during a child's formative years.
Through this collaboration, the Ministry of Public Health, WHO, the World Bank, UNICEF, and partners are committed to advancing Lebanon's health and nutrition systems to enhance the well-being of every child.