07/08/2026
World Breastfeeding Week is observed globally every year from August 1 to 7 to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding worldwide.
2026 Theme: "Breastfeeding for a sustainable start in life: strengthen what works".
Primary Focus: Evaluating effective support programs, scaling up proven healthcare policies, and building sustainable environments for nursing mothers at home, in healthcare facilities, and in the workplaces.
🗝️ Key points
Duration. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside complementary foods up to 2 years or beyond.
Infant Health: Provides essential antibodies, reduces risk of gastrointestinal infections, and lowers long-term chronic disease risks.
Maternal Health. Promotes post-birth uterine recovery, lowers risks of breast/ovarian cancer, and reduces risks of type 2 diabetes.