Informative breastfeeding brochure handover by PAHO/WHO Representative Dr. Karen Lewis-Bell during the opening of the Breastfeeding Week 2022 in Suriname
Suriname, Aug 1, 2022 (PAHO) – Today at the Regional Health Department in Commewijne, Suriname, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) opened the World Breastfeeding Week with the theme: Step up for Breastfeeding – Educate and Support, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the Bureau of Public Health (BOG) and the Regional Health Department (RGD).
The official opening was done through a launch ceremony with various speakers providing information on the benefits of breastfeeding and the handover of an informative breastfeeding brochure to two mothers and their newborns by the Director of the Ministry of Health Dr. Rakesh Gajadhar Sukul, and the PAHO/WHO Representative in Suriname Dr. Karen Lewis-Bell.
Among other representatives present who gave remarks were the District Commissioner of Commewijne, Mr. Mohamedsafiek Radjab, Dr. Syreeta Demidof of the BOG, and Mrs Overman of the RGD.
The PAHO/WHO Representative in Suriname indicated that “Breast milk is the ideal food for infants, as it is safe, clean and contains antibodies that help protect against many common childhood illnesses. Breastmilk provides all the energy and nutrients that the infant needs for the first six months of their lives and it continues to provide up to half or more of a child’s nutritional needs during the second half of the first year.”
Since 2016, World Breastfeeding Week themes have been aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal of Ensuring Health and Well-being for all, at every stage of life and more specifically, facilitating a healthy start for babies.
For this year’s World Breastfeeding Week, PAHO Suriname will continue its efforts to assist the Ministry of Health with building awareness and supporting other initiatives for strengthening evidence-based policies and recommendations, to expand baby-friendly health facilities, supportive communities and workplaces, with the aim to improve breastfeeding rates, as well as overall nutrition, health and well-being in infants.
