Start of the Breastfeeding Caravan in Moldova! Here are the regions visited by the experts this year

In 2023, only 48% of babies worldwide were exclusively breastfed in their first months of life. Despite recent increases, this number remains low. Educating and informing the global population about the importance of breastfeeding is essential, as breast milk is crucial for a child’s healthy development, providing all necessary nutrients and protection against diseases.

To promote breastfeeding and support families, the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) Office in the Republic of Moldova organize the annual Breastfeeding Caravan. Under the theme “Breastfeeding for all children, support for every mother and family,” this year’s Caravan will visit five regions: Hîncești, Bălți, Leova, Cantemir, and Chişinău.

From July 22 to August 2, families with young children and parents-to-be can engage with health, nutrition, and breastfeeding experts. The events will cover:

• The importance of breastfeeding for both mother and baby
• Proper techniques for latching and breastfeeding positions
• The significance of immunizing children according to the National Vaccination Calendar
• Common myths about breastfeeding
• Proper nutrition for mothers during pregnancy and breastfeeding
• The national vaccination calendar of the Republic of Moldova

Ala Nemerenco, Minister of Health, emphasized that breast milk provides everything necessary for a child’s healthy growth and fosters a strong psychological bond between mother and child. Breastfeeding is also convenient for mothers, allowing them to remain mobile and feed their babies as needed.

Miljana Grbic, WHO Representative in the Republic of Moldova, stated, “Today we celebrate two events: World Breastfeeding Week and the fifth edition of the Breastfeeding Caravan in Moldova. We honor all breastfeeding mothers and the support they receive from families, communities, healthcare workers, and local authorities. Breast milk is vital, safe, and contains antibodies that protect children from diseases.”

Breast Milk Substitutes on the Agenda

During the events, discussions will include the International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes, a crucial document supporting breastfeeding. A 2022 WHO study revealed that the global formula milk industry, worth approximately $55 billion, uses persuasive tactics to convince pregnant women to choose formula over breastfeeding, often with scientifically unproven claims.

The Code aims to halt the aggressive marketing of breast-milk substitutes and ensure safe and adequate nutrition for infants by promoting breastfeeding and appropriate use of substitutes when necessary, based on proper information and distribution methods.

In its previous four editions, the Breastfeeding Caravan has provided valuable information and support to thousands of families in Moldova, addressing topics from the benefits of breastfeeding to overcoming breastfeeding challenges.

Evghenia Hiora, Program Coordinator, Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova, noted, “The European Union recognizes the importance of breastfeeding and has taken measures to protect, promote, and support it. Breastfeeding enhances the child’s immune system, reduces infection risks, fosters a strong bond between mother and child, and ensures optimal nutrition for healthy development. It’s a family effort, and fathers’ involvement can significantly support and encourage mothers.”

Breastfeeding: The Best Start in Life

Breast milk provides infants with all the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. The longer a baby is breastfed, the better protected they are against various diseases. The WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continued breastfeeding with complementary feeding up to two years and beyond.

This year, the Breastfeeding Caravan will start in Hîncești (July 22) and continue to Bălți (July 25), Cărpineni (July 26), Leova (July 29), Cantemir (July 30), and Chişinău (August 1-2).

About the Breastfeeding Caravan in Moldova

Now in its fifth edition, the Breastfeeding Caravan coincides with World Breastfeeding Week, celebrated globally from August 1-7. This week promotes the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and continued breastfeeding for two years or more.

The Caravan is organized by the Ministry of Health and the WHO Office in the Republic of Moldova, with participation from national experts and breastfeeding consultants from “Mămica Alăptează” and financial support from the European Union and the US Government, in the context of the refugee crisis in Ukraine.