On 27 July 2024, a bright and early Saturday morning, participants gathered to celebrate the start of World Breastfeeding Week 2024 activities with the Annual Walk and Breakfast hosted by The Breastfeeding Association of Trinidad and Tobago (TBATT). This year’s theme, ‘Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All,’ resonated deeply with participants who came out, donning matching branded t-shirts that added a sense of unity and purpose to the event.
Dr Gabriel Vivas Francesconi, PAHO/WHO Representative for Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Curacao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba had the honor of kicking off the walk.
Dr Vivas, PAHO/WHO Representative for Trinidad and Tobago and the Dutch Caribbean Islands and Mrs. Sherese Edwards, Executive Officer of TBATT lead the walk
The atmosphere was charged with energy as men, women, families and children of all ages, including babies in arms and strollers, came together in support of breastfeeding. The presence of representatives from the North West and North Central Regional Health Authorities and Non-Governmental agencies underscored the widespread commitment to this important cause.
Various participants at the Annual Walk and Breakfast for World Breastfeeding Week 2024
After the walk, participants were treated to a healthy breakfast, providing a perfect opportunity for community members to connect and share their experiences.
This was followed by the formal part of the event where Dr Vivas also delivered remarks. In his address, he expressed heartfelt thanks to the dedicated members of The Breastfeeding Association of Trinidad and Tobago who volunteered their time and were instrumental to the achievement of the Baby Friendly Hospital status for two of the main public hospitals. The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative is a global program by WHO and UNICEF which encourages health facilities around the world to provide better support for breastfeeding. PAHO/WHO also supports the Ministry of Health and the Regional Health Authorities in this regard through the provision of training and guidance.
Dr Vivas, PAHO/WHO Representative for Trinidad and Tobago and the Dutch Caribbean Islands delivers his address at the Annual Walk and Breakfast for World Breastfeeding Week 2024
The event also featured Ms. Sherma Alexander-Campbell, National Administrator, Nursing Services from the Ministry of Health and Aimee Bartholomew from the Association.
Adding a touch of fun and creativity, the NWRHA Lactation Divas performed a special number where they rewrote the lyrics to a popular Soca song to highlight the benefits of breastfeeding. Their performance brought smiles and applause, reinforcing the positive and supportive environment of the event.
The NWRHA Lactation Divas entertain the audience
Overall, the Annual Walk and Breakfast set a vibrant tone for World Breastfeeding Week 2024, highlighting the collective effort to support and promote breastfeeding in Trinidad and Tobago.
