World Breastfeeding Week begins Wednesday

On the 20th anniversary of World Breastfeeding Week, which begins Wednesday, "UNICEF says strong national policies supporting breastfeeding could prevent the deaths of around one million children under five in the developing world each year," a UNICEF press release states (8/1). Launched by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) and commemorated every year from August 1 to 7 in more than 170 countries, the week aims "to encourage breastfeeding and improve the health of babies around the world," according to a WHO media note (8/1). This year's theme is "Let's celebrate the World Breastfeeding Week Successfully, understanding the past, planning the future," the Himalayan reports (8/1). USAID's Maternal and Child Health Integrated Program (MCHIP) blog notes the Kenya Division of Nutrition, with technical assistance from MCHIP, "developed a Facebook page to provide educational and event information surrounding WBW" and to highlight a different theme each day of the week (7/30).