By Wendy Mkandawire
The Ministry of Health has urged Malawians to prioritize breastfeeding as one of the most effective investments in child survival and nutrition.
According to the 2024 Malawi Demographic and Health Survey
, approximately 60% of infants under six months are exclusively breastfed. The Ministry says this reflects the commitment of government, health workers, communities, and families to giving children the best start in life.
Speaking during the launch of
World Breastfeeding Week 2026, Deputy Minister of Health Charles Chilambula said breastfeeding is central to national development.
“Breastfeeding is very important because it marks the start of everyone’s life. It has benefits for both the child and the mother, including health and economic advantages. It also contains all the nutrients that a child requires,” he said.
Chilambula said government is promoting breastfeeding at health facilities by ensuring mothers receive accurate information from health workers.
He also cautioned against the unnecessary use of infant formula and other breast milk substitutes when breastfeeding is possible, noting that breast milk remains the safest, most complete, and most nutritious food for infants.
In his remarks, WHO Country Representative Dr. Charles Njuguna said there is need to strengthen support for mothers and families at every stage from pregnancy through childbirth and the postnatal period.
Njunguna further said that Mothers need accurate information, quality counseling, and a supportive environment that enables them to breastfeed successfully
“Malawi’s network of community health workers, nutrition promoters, mentor mothers, and breastfeeding champions has played an important role in supporting mothers with practical advice. Strengthening these community systems will be essential if Malawi is to sustain and improve breastfeeding outcomes nationwide,” Dr. Njuguna added.
According to WHO, four out of every ten infants globally are not exclusively breastfed during the critical first six months of life, highlighting the need for renewed efforts and investment.
The 2024 survey also shows that 38% of children under five in Malawi are stunted, an indication of chronic undernutrition that continues to affect children’s growth, learning, and future productivity.
This year’s global theme is “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.”
