The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has called for stronger measures to protect, promote and support breastfeeding as Ghana joins the global community to commemorate World Breastfeeding Week 2026.
This year’s observance is being held under the theme, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works,” which calls on governments, healthcare professionals, employers, families, communities and development partners to strengthen policies and programmes that have proven effective in improving breastfeeding outcomes.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, August 12, the FDA said sustained investment in effective interventions was necessary to maintain progress while addressing emerging challenges affecting breastfeeding practices in Ghana.
The Authority described breastfeeding as one of the most effective and cost-efficient public health interventions for improving child survival, nutrition and development.
It said breast milk provides infants with the nutrients they need during the first six months of life while helping protect them against illnesses including diarrhoeal diseases and respiratory infections.
The FDA further encouraged continued breastfeeding alongside appropriate complementary feeding up to two years and beyond, noting that the practice supports healthy growth, cognitive development and long-term wellbeing.
According to the FDA, the benefits of breastfeeding extend beyond infants, with mothers also gaining important health benefits.
Breastfeeding can reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancers, support recovery after childbirth and strengthen the emotional bond between mothers and their children.
The Authority also highlighted the environmental benefits of breastfeeding, describing breast milk as a natural and renewable source of infant nutrition that does not require manufacturing, packaging or transportation.
It said promoting breastfeeding could therefore help reduce environmental waste and contribute to more sustainable food systems.
Despite progress made through years of public health interventions, the FDA said several challenges continue to affect efforts to achieve optimal breastfeeding practices in Ghana.
These include aggressive marketing of breastmilk substitutes, changing lifestyles, workplace constraints, misinformation and inadequate support for mothers from families and communities.
The Authority said it remained committed to protecting breastfeeding through the implementation and enforcement of the Breastfeeding Promotion Regulation, 2000 (L.I. 1667), which regulates the marketing and distribution of breastmilk substitutes in Ghana.
It said it would continue to monitor compliance, conduct market surveillance, educate stakeholders and work with partners to ensure mothers receive accurate and evidence-based information on infant feeding.
As part of the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week activities, the FDA said it would collaborate with the Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service, Ubora Quality Institute, the media and other stakeholders on nationwide public education and regulatory enforcement.
The campaign will also highlight breastmilk banks, which have been established in some hospitals to provide donated breast milk to babies who need it.
The FDA is urging more health facilities to establish breastmilk banks to improve access to breast milk for infants who may be unable to receive it directly from their mothers.
The Authority has also urged mothers and caregivers to initiate breastfeeding within the first hour after birth, practise exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continue breastfeeding alongside appropriate complementary feeding up to two years or beyond.
The FDA called on government institutions to continue investing in policies and programmes that protect and support breastfeeding.
Employers have also been encouraged to create breastfeeding-friendly workplaces by providing flexible working arrangements, nursing breaks and safe, hygienic spaces where mothers can breastfeed or express and store breast milk.
Healthcare professionals, the FDA said, should provide consistent, evidence-based counselling and support to mothers during pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period.
Families and communities have also been urged to provide the emotional, practical and social support mothers need to initiate and sustain breastfeeding.
The FDA further called on the media to provide accurate information, counter misinformation and promote positive messages about breastfeeding.
Manufacturers, importers and distributors of breastmilk substitutes have meanwhile been urged to comply with L.I. 1667 and adhere to ethical marketing practices that protect breastfeeding.
The Authority said protecting and promoting breastfeeding was a shared responsibility requiring coordinated action across society.
It maintained that supportive government policies, adequate healthcare services, breastfeeding-friendly workplaces, informed communities and strong family support could create better conditions for mothers to breastfeed successfully.
The FDA said strengthening proven interventions would give children a better opportunity to survive, thrive and reach their full potential while contributing to healthier families and a more sustainable environment.
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Mavis Fantevi