Online Reporter
Obey Musiwa in Kariba
Hundreds of villagers in Siakobvu Rural District of Kariba on Wednesday joined a match, highlighting the critical role of breastfeeding in ensuring the health and development of children in light of the World Breastfeeding Week from August 1-7, 2025.
This year’s World Breastfeeding Week was observed under the theme “Prioritise Breastfeeding: create Sustainable Support Systems”.
Nutrition Action Zimbabwe (NAZ) organised the match together with its partners. NAZ nutrition manager Mr Chisichawo Mutendadzamera said exclusive breastfeeding rates are below the national and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of 70 percent by 2030, due to a lack of caregiver knowledge and inadequate postnatal counselling.
“Additionally, the aggressive marketing of breastmilk substitutes, particularly through digital platforms, undermines efforts to promote breastfeeding,” he said.
“However, this situation presents an opportunity for positive change by focusing on improving education for caregivers and enhancing postnatal support.”
NAZ executive director Tapiwa Magaisa said there is need to create a more informed community that values inclusive breastfeeding.
“Addressing the needs of vulnerable mothers—especially young, HIV-positive, disabled, and low-income women—through tailored interventions and inclusive outreach strategies can significantly improve breastfeeding rates,” he said.
“This proactive approach not only supports maternal and infant health but also strengthens family and community well-being.”
He said support from the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Musasa, and other stakeholders enables NAZ to tackle the pressing challenges faced by mothers and infants in Zimbabwe.
Ministry of Health and Child Care Kariba District nutritionist Russell Chipere said the ministry’s role is to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding amidst aggressive marketing of formula milks.
“You will find that one of the challenges that we are facing is this aggressive marketing of breast milk substitutes, especially from manufacturers of breast milk substitutes,” he said.
“So our role as the Ministry of Health is to protect, promote and support breastfeeding.”
Siakobvu Hospital clinical officer Allan Mabwe Dr Chirara, said with the right investments, Zimbabwe can increase exclusive breastfeeding, evidenced by global improvements over the last decade.
“Providing skilled, compassionate breastfeeding support from pregnancy through early childhood, ensuring mothers have ongoing access to trained breastfeeding counselling from pregnancy through the early years, providing particular support at moments of transition.”
Chief Nebiri of Kariba said that for a successful breastfeeding country, it needs men’s support as their involvement is crucial.
“Men can participate by creating a supportive environment at home, encouraging their partners to breastfeed, and sharing responsibilities during feeding times,” he said.
“Additionally, they can advocate for breastfeeding in their communities, helping to dispel myths and promote the benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and infants.”
Siakobvu village health worker Edzai Mereki said breastfeeding is about giving babies the best possible start in life.
“Additionally, it has benefits for mothers too, as it can help prevent early pregnancy due to its natural contraceptive effects, known as the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM), when done exclusively.”
Siakobvu villager, Mrs Nyasha Zvaraya said she plans to impart her knowledge on breastfeeding to other mothers to promote community-wide understanding and support.
“As a mother myself, I understand the importance of breastfeeding, so I am committed to spreading this message to every corner of our community.
“I will ensure that no mother is left behind in accessing this vital information,” said Mrs Zvaraya.
Online Reporter