Series from The Lancet Provides More Evidence that Breastfeeding is Lifesaving – UNICEF
Reductions in child mortality and reduced breast and ovarian cancer rates for women who breastfeed
NEW YORK (January 29, 2016) – A new series of papers just published by The Lancet provides evidence that improving breastfeeding practices could save the lives of over 820,000 children a year, 9 out of 10 of them infants under 6 months.
Increased breastfeeding can prevent nearly half of diarrhea episodes and a third of respiratory infections – the two leading causes of death among children under age 5.
The Lancet papers also show that each year a mother breastfeeds, her risk of developing invasive breast cancer is reduced by 6 percent. Current breastfeeding rates already prevent almost 20,000 deaths from breast cancer each year, a number which could be doubled with improved breastfeeding practices. Longer breastfeeding is also linked to a reduction in ovarian cancer.
“Investing in breastfeeding has a significant impact on the health of women and children and on the economies of both rich and poor countries,” said UNICEF Chief of Nutrition Werner Schultink. “The Series provides crucial evidence for the case that breastfeeding is a cornerstone of children’s survival, health, growth and development and contributes to a more prosperous and sustainable future.”
The Lancet Series confirms the lifesaving benefits of breastfeeding for women and children in low-, middle- and high-income countries alike, UNICEF said.
Breastfeeding lowers child mortality in high income countries. It is associated with a 36 percent reduction in sudden infant deaths and an almost 60 percent decline in the most common intestinal disease among premature infants. A child who breastfeeds for longer also has a reduced risk of becoming overweight or obese later in life.
The Lancet Series found that cognitive losses associated with not breastfeeding, which impact earning potential, amount to $302 billion annually. Low- and middle- income countries lose more than $70 billion annually, while high income countries lose more than $230 billion annually due to low rates of breastfeeding.
UNICEF said the multiple advantages in terms of health for mothers and children, as well as potential economic gains, should impel governments to institute policies and programs to protect, promote and support breastfeeding.
This is especially important for working mothers. While early return to work tends to lessen the chances that a mother will breastfeed, in roughly 60 percent of countries, maternity leave does not reach the ILO recommended minimum of 14 weeks paid leave. When breastfeeding mothers do return to work, their places of employment lack facilities for them to breastfeed or express milk.
UNICEF’s Schultink reiterated The Lancet’s conclusion that improving breastfeeding rates is a fundamental driver in achieving many of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to health, child survival and education.
“Breastfeeding is the most natural, cost effective, environmentally sound and readily available way we know to provide all children, rich or poor, with the healthiest start in life,” he said. “It’s a win-win for all concerned to make it a priority.”
Note to editors:
UNICEF experts are among the authors of The Lancet’s Breastfeeding Series, which will launch on Friday, January 29, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. at the Kaiser Family Foundation Conference Center, 1330 G Street, NW, Washington, D.C.
About UNICEF
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to put children first. UNICEF has helped save more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization, by providing health care and immunizations, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports UNICEF's work through fundraising, advocacy and education in the United States. Together, we are working toward the day when no children die from preventable causes and every child has a safe and healthy childhood. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org. Read more about infant mortality here.
For more information, contact:
Sophie Aziakou, U.S. Fund for UNICEF, 917.720.1397, saziakou@unicefusa.org