Kuwait City: Kuwait’s Ministry of Health has launched a week-long awareness campaign to mark World Breastfeeding Week, highlighting the health benefits of breastfeeding and the importance of providing greater support to mothers and families.
The campaign, organised by the Nutrition and Food Department and the National Breastfeeding Support Committee, is being held under the slogan “Together to Support Breastfeeding.”
Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health Dr. Al-Mundhir Al-Hasawi attended the launch.
The initiative aims to increase public awareness about breastfeeding while supporting mothers, families and healthcare professionals in line with Kuwait’s national health strategies and wider global efforts to give children the healthiest possible start in life.
Activities Across Hospitals and Health Centres
The week-long programme includes awareness activities across five hospitals and health centres.
Workshops, educational booths and direct consultations for mothers are being organised to provide reliable information, answer families’ questions and encourage healthy breastfeeding practices.
Dr. Hasnaa Ayad, Director of the Nutrition and Food Department, said this year’s campaign theme emphasises that supporting breastfeeding is a shared responsibility involving healthcare institutions, families and the wider community.
Health Benefits for Mothers and Babies
The ministry highlighted breastfeeding as one of the most effective evidence-based interventions for improving maternal and infant health.
Breast milk can provide an infant’s nutritional needs during the first six months of life, while supporting immunity and healthy growth and development.
Breastfeeding is also associated with a lower risk of certain infectious and chronic diseases among children.
For mothers, breastfeeding can support postpartum recovery and is associated with reduced risks of breast cancer, ovarian cancer and type 2 diabetes. It can also contribute to maternal well-being and strengthen bonding between mother and baby.
Exclusive Breastfeeding Rate Reaches 33%
The Ministry of Health said it continues to implement programmes aimed at increasing breastfeeding rates in cooperation with different sectors of Kuwait’s healthcare system.
According to the 2025 Nutritional Surveillance Program, the country’s rate of exclusive breastfeeding up to six months has reached 33 percent.
The ministry said the figure reflects the impact of continued awareness campaigns, professional training and improvements in services available to mothers.
