Deputy Minister of Health Ms Aphone Visathep (centre) chairs an event to mark World Breastfeeding Week.

Laos marks World Breastfeeding Week with stronger support for new mothers
 
The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with UNICEF, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and Alive and Thrive, with support from the Embassy of Ireland and key development partners, has organised events to highlight World Breastfeeding Week, which this year takes the theme “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems”.
This occasion raises awareness of breastfeeding as a cornerstone of child health and development, while emphasising the urgent need for stronger investment in policies and systems that support breastfeeding mothers.
“Investment in breastfeeding is an investment in the country’s future. It can help improve child health, reduce poverty, and protect the environment,” said Deputy Minister of Health, Ms Aphone Visathep.
“The Ministry of Health urges all sectors to invest in breastfeeding, including in maternity protection, skilled counselling services and strong enforcement of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes,” she added.
Breastfeeding is a natural, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly way to give every child the healthiest start to life. Breastmilk provides optimal nutrition, strengthens immunity and fosters cognitive development, all while producing zero carbon emissions.
By contrast, infant formula milk production contributes to climate change through high levels of greenhouse gas emissions, water use, and packaging waste.
In Laos, formula consumption is estimated to generate 5.3 to 6.7 million kilograms of CO₂ emissions and consume over 2.2 billion litres of water each year.
UNICEF Deputy Representative in Laos, Ms Takaho Fukami, said “Support for breastfeeding from doctors, midwives and nurses is key for improving health and nutrition outcomes of a mother and her child. At the same time, effective enforcement of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes, including formula labelling regulations, is essential to protect families from harmful marketing practices.”
Laos continues to make progress in strengthening national systems to support breastfeeding.
The Ministry of Health’s Food and Drug Department has endorsed labelling regulations for breastmilk substitutes, with a national enforcement decree currently under development. Monitoring now includes online retail and hospital platforms.
Furthermore, all 18 provincial hospitals in Laos now employ staff accredited in breastfeeding counselling, with 87 healthcare workers trained between 2022 and 2024. Seven hospitals have been recognised with the Breastfeeding Model Hospital Award for excellence in maternal and childcare.
In addition, the Ministry of Health has launched a new maternal, infant and young child nutrition counselling package, strengthening breastfeeding support from pregnancy through early childhood.
Acting Country Representative for CRS Laos, Rob Green, said “This week gives us the chance to reflect on the success and progress that Laos has made in prioritising breastfeeding.”
 “By supporting sustainable systems, we can build a future together where every child in Laos has the best possible start in life, nourished by breastmilk, supported by the community, and protected by strong systems.”

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update August 8, 2025)