Globally 44%, Bangladesh 63%: Can We Hit the 70% WHO Breastfeeding Goal by 2030?
Every drop of breast milk is a gift of nature—packed with antibodies, nutrition, and love. But in today’s rapidly changing world, where time is tight and corporate interests loom large, breastfeeding is no longer a given. This year’s World Breastfeeding Week 2025 (1–7 August), themed “Prioritise breastfeeding: create sustainable support systems”, is a critical call to action for governments, workplaces, and communities alike.
Despite being a global gold standard for infant nutrition, exclusive breastfeeding rates in Bangladesh have declined—from 65% in 2017–18 to 63% in 2022 (BDHS). At first glance, this may seem minor. But in a country where nearly 52% of babies are not breastfed within one hour of birth—missing out on colostrum, the baby’s first natural vaccine—the consequences are significant.
A Lifeline Under Threat: Why Support Systems Matter
Breastfeeding saves lives. It reduces the risk of infections, obesity, and non-communicable diseases for children. For mothers, it lowers risks of postpartum bleeding and cancers. Yet, too many Bangladeshi mothers face cultural, structural, and economic barriers that prevent them from breastfeeding.
According to a leading article in the Bangladesh Journal of Child Health (2023), challenges in Bangladesh include:
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Workplace barriers: Though Bangladesh mandates 6 months’ maternity leave, informal sector workers are often excluded. Only 30% of workplaces have breastfeeding-friendly facilities.
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Cultural beliefs: Misconceptions like discarding colostrum or early water feeding remain widespread.
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Formula marketing: Despite the Breastmilk Substitute Act 2013, formula companies aggressively promote products—often with the support of health professionals.
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Healthcare system gaps: Antenatal breastfeeding counselling is rare, and support for latching, milk expression, and positioning is inconsistent.
“It is deeply unfortunate that, as a nation, we fail to provide adequate support for breastfeeding mothers—a responsibility that lies especially with pediatricians,” said Prof. Soofia Khatoon and Dr. Shahreen Kabir.
Path Forward: Invest in Systems, Not Just Slogans
To truly prioritise breastfeeding, systemic change is needed. The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative must be enforced with trained staff, proper lactation counselling, and Lactational Management Centres (LMCs). In parallel, the government must strictly implement the BMS Act to regulate unethical formula marketing and provide regular breastfeeding training to healthcare professionals.
Community support models—like mother-to-mother support groups being piloted by the Bangladesh Breastfeeding Foundation (BBF)—must be scaled up nationwide, particularly in rural areas. Workplaces, both formal and informal, must offer nursing rooms, flexible schedules, and emotional support.
Globally, only 44% of infants are exclusively breastfed for six months—far below the WHO’s 2030 target of 70%. Countries like Sri Lanka and Rwanda have surpassed this goal through policy commitment and social mobilization. Bangladesh has the infrastructure and awareness—what’s missing is accountability and sustainable support.
Breastfeeding is Everyone’s Business
Breastfeeding is not just a maternal responsibility—it’s a societal commitment. From policymakers to employers, fathers to doctors—everyone has a role in building a breastfeeding-friendly nation. Let us honour pioneers like Professor M Q K Talukder, who dedicated his life to this cause, by ensuring every mother has the right to nourish her child naturally.
Because at the end of the day, a mother’s milk is not just food—it’s protection, connection, and a promise for a healthier future.
Source: The Daily Star