Breastfeeding: Zambia’s First Investment in a Healthier Generation

By Alain Kabinda

LUSAKA — In the quiet hours before sunrise, when most of the city is still asleep, millions of mothers across Zambia begin a daily routine that carries consequences far beyond the walls of their homes.

A mother gently holds her newborn child, providing the first source of nutrition, protection and comfort. In hospitals, nurses guide new mothers through the first hours of breastfeeding. In communities, families make decisions that can influence the health and development of children for years to come.

Though often unseen, health experts say these moments represent one of the country’s most important investments in human development.

As Zambia commemorated World Breastfeeding Week 2026 under the theme “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works,” stakeholders highlighted breastfeeding as more than a maternal responsibility — describing it as a national priority linked to child survival, economic development and social wellbeing.

The campaign focused on strengthening proven interventions that support mothers and infants, including breastfeeding counselling, supportive workplaces, Baby-Friendly health facilities and community involvement.

For generations, breastfeeding has been a natural part of motherhood. But health experts say its importance goes beyond tradition.

Breast milk provides essential nutrients required for a child’s early growth, strengthens immunity and protects infants against common illnesses such as diarrhoea and pneumonia.

For mothers, breastfeeding contributes to recovery after childbirth and reduces the risk of certain health conditions.

However, speakers at the World Breastfeeding Week launch in Lusaka said breastfeeding must not be viewed only as a personal choice between a mother and her child.

“Breastfeeding is not merely a personal choice. It is a public health imperative, a social justice issue, and a cornerstone of sustainable development,” Ministry of Labour and Social Security Permanent Secretary Mr. Zechariah Luhanga said.

He said strengthening breastfeeding requires coordinated action from government, employers, families, health workers and communities.

Recent national data indicate that about 70 percent of infants under six months are exclusively breastfed — a rate regarded as one of the highest in Africa.

The achievement has been attributed to years of investment in maternal and child health programmes, community engagement, policy interventions and partnerships between government and cooperating partners.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF have cautioned that changing lifestyles, economic pressures and increased exposure to commercial marketing threaten breastfeeding gains in many countries.

For many mothers, the decision to continue breastfeeding becomes more difficult when maternity leave ends.

A woman may leave the hospital committed to exclusive breastfeeding, but returning to work can create challenges if she lacks time, privacy or support.

Some mothers struggle to find safe spaces to express breast milk, while others face workplaces that do not provide flexible arrangements.

He added that Zambia’s labour laws provide important protections through maternity leave provisions, nursing breaks and protection against discrimination related to pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Mr. Luhanga urged employers to implement these measures fully and establish breastfeeding-friendly workplaces.

He encouraged institutions to create designated lactation spaces and adopt policies that allow mothers to continue breastfeeding after returning to work.

For women in informal employment, the challenge is often greater because many depend on daily income and have limited workplace protection.

Health advocates at the launch challenged society to move away from the belief that breastfeeding is only a mother’s responsibility.

Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi, speaking at the World Breastfeeding Week launch, added that breastfeeding remains one of the most cost-effective interventions for improving child health and reducing preventable illnesses.

He emphasized that strengthening breastfeeding requires sustained commitment from all stakeholders, including government institutions, health workers, communities and families.

Dr. Lishimpi noted that while Zambia has made significant progress in promoting exclusive breastfeeding, continued efforts are needed to address emerging challenges such as inadequate workplace support, misinformation and barriers that prevent some mothers from accessing the guidance and support they need.

He said creating an enabling environment for breastfeeding mothers is essential to ensuring that every child receives the best possible start in life.

“Breastfeeding is not only a health issue; it is an investment in Zambia’s human capital,” Dr. Lishimpi said, stressing the need for collective responsibility in protecting and promoting breastfeeding practices.

Churches Health Association of Zambia (CHAZ) Chief Executive Officer Mrs. Karen Sichali Sichinga said successful breastfeeding requires collective support.

“The success of breastfeeding does not rest with mothers alone,” she said. “It requires supportive families, supportive fathers, supportive employers, supportive health workers and supportive communities.”

She explained that a supportive environment can determine whether mothers continue breastfeeding successfully.

A father assisting with household duties, a grandmother encouraging breastfeeding, a health worker providing accurate information and an employer creating supportive conditions all contribute to better outcomes for children.

While Zambia continues to address traditional barriers, health authorities have identified a new challenge — the growing influence of digital marketing.

Experts say many mothers now seek parenting information online, where commercial advertisements can sometimes compete with medical advice.

WHO and UNICEF warned that evolving marketing strategies for breast-milk substitutes, especially through digital platforms, require stronger monitoring and enforcement.

They called for increased protection of families from misleading information and urged stakeholders to ensure mothers receive accurate guidance.

UNICEF Zambia Representative Dr. Saja Farooq Abdullah said breastfeeding remains central to child survival, nutrition and development.

“Every child deserves the best start in life, and breastfeeding is the foundation,” Dr. Abdullah said.

She added that breastfeeding represents “love, health and protection” for children.

Beyond its health benefits, breastfeeding is increasingly being recognised as an economic investment.

WHO and UNICEF estimate that every US$1 invested in breastfeeding generates about US$35 in returns through reduced healthcare costs, improved education outcomes and increased productivity.

Experts say healthier children are more likely to perform better in school and become productive adults, while healthier mothers face fewer health complications.

In Zambia, WHO and UNICEF have supported breastfeeding promotion through programmes including the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, training of nearly 2,000 frontline health workers and community volunteers in infant and young child feeding counselling, and strengthening newborn care services such as Kangaroo Mother Care.

As the World Breastfeeding Week celebrations ended, stakeholders renewed calls for stronger commitment from all sectors of society.

Government institutions, employers, fathers, families, health workers, community leaders and the media were urged to help create an environment where every mother has the opportunity to breastfeed successfully.