Declining breastfeeding in Nepal: Who is responsible?
Declining breastfeeding in Nepal: Who is responsible? It has been revealed that the rate of complete breastfeeding in Nepal has decreased from 70 percent in 2011 to 56 percent in 2022. Breastfeeding is the most effective and evidence-based practice for infant health and nutrition. Mother's milk provides all the necessary nutrients and immunity to the baby. In addition to providing protection from various infections, it contributes significantly to physical, mental and intellectual development . Breastfeeding is an important public health strategy to build the foundation of health, nutrition and immunity for babies at the beginning of life. According to a recent report by the World Health Organization and UNICEF, only 47 percent of infants under 6 months of age worldwide are exclusively breastfed. The World Health Organization has set a global goal of increasing the rate of full breastfeeding to 60 percent by 2030. Various reports including the Nepal Demographic and Health Survey...