Closing the gap: Group holds run to raise awareness on importance of exclusive breastfeeding

As celebrations continue to mark this year’s World Breastfeeding Week, a group of mothers and supporters of exclusive breastfeeding gathered to participate in this year’s advocacy run organized by Career Mothers For Exclusive Breastfeeding (CAMFEB) Association.

Founded by Martha Mugi-Kimkung, the annual run seeks to raise awareness and champion for mothers to get the support needed to exclusively breastfeed their children until the age of six months and on a complementary basis with other foods until two years, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) happens during the first week of August every year.

This year’s theme is: “Closing the gap: Breastfeeding Support for All.”

While gains have been made towards helping mothers achieve the  six months mark of exclusive breastfeeding, much still needs to be done, especially for those working in informal employment.

Kenya’s Employment laws stipulate that mothers should have three months of maternity leave, however for some, they are forced to return to work to make ends meet, especially for those who are in informal employment.

Some of forms of support advocated for for mothers who return to the workplace, include access to reasonable facilities to express milk.

Although government guidelines call for such facilities to be made available, with washing facilities and a clean place to store milk, there are still organisations that have not implemented this, leaving some mothers stranded, having to express milk in toilets at times.

In line with WBW, Citizen Digital will hold an X Space discussion on August 6 from 7pm to discuss the gains and gaps in the Kenyan context. Listen in on the @CitizenTVKenya X page.