World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) is an annual celebration of the role of breastfeeding in our homes, our communities, and the world. The 2016 theme is Breastfeeding: A Key to Sustainable Development. Join International Lactation Consultant Association® (ILCA®) and World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) in observing WBW 1-7 August 2016.
In September 2015, world leaders committed to 17 goals aimed at ending poverty, protecting the planet, and ensuring prosperity. These goals are known as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). At ILCA, we believe that world health can be transformed through breastfeeding and skilled lactation care. One way to ensure the world’s leaders know what we know—the lifelong outcomes of breastfeeding for mothers and their children—is to show the connections between these outcomes and the 17 SDGs.
WABA, with assistance from its core partners (including ILCA), has created content explaining how breastfeeding is linked to each of the SDGs along four thematic areas:
- Nutrition, Food Security, and Poverty Reduction;
- Survival, Health, and Well-Being;
- Environment and Climate Change; and
- Women’s Productivity and Employment.
Throughout the week, ILCA will highlight each of these themes to help you better understand them and learn how you can help in addressing them.
Looking for more ways to participate in World Breastfeeding Week this year?
Visit the WBW 2016 website for general information and downloadable promotional materials, including the WBW 2016 Action Folder.
Sign the WBW 2016 Event Pledge Form and let everyone know that you or your organization pledge to celebrate WBW 2016 by hosting a WBW event.
Share your commitment to breastfeeding advocacy and education as an imperative part of accomplishing the SDGs.
For the most up-to-date information about WBW 2016 and to download and purchase promotional materials, please visit the World Breastfeeding Week website by clicking here.
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