Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
Community-based breastfeeding support programmes have intensified in eight districts as the country joins the rest of the world in commemorating World Breastfeeding Week from August 1 to 7.
The commemorations are being held under the theme, “Breastfeeding for a sustainable start in life: strengthen what works.”
Nutrition Action Zimbabwe (NAZ) is strengthening its Care Group model to improve breastfeeding practices and infant nutrition in Mangwe, Beitbridge, Chipinge, Gokwe North, Mt Darwin, Mbire, Buhera and Tsholotsho.
The Care Groups provide mothers and primary caregivers with peer counselling, practical knowledge and psychosocial support to promote exclusive breastfeeding and improve child nutrition.
NAZ executive director Mr Tapiwa Magaisa said breastfeeding should be regarded as a collective community responsibility.
“Breastfeeding is not a mother’s responsibility alone; it is a collective community investment. To strengthen what works, we must embed support directly within households and villages,” he said.
“Our Care Groups are proving that when mothers receive continuous, localised support, exclusive breastfeeding rates rise, directly reducing malnutrition and childhood mortality.”
Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life remains a key intervention in promoting optimal child development, strengthening immunity and protecting infants from childhood illnesses.
However, Mr Magaisa said mothers continued to face cultural, economic and social barriers that hindered optimal breastfeeding practices.
He said they were also engaging fathers, husbands and male guardians to encourage greater household support for breastfeeding mothers.
NAZ nutrition co-ordinator Mr Chisichawo Mutendadzamera said involving men was critical in improving breastfeeding outcomes.
“When fathers understand the biological and economic value of exclusive breastfeeding, they become its biggest defenders. Involving men transforms breastfeeding from a solitary chore into a shared family priority,” he said.
In Beitbridge, Mbire and Tsholotsho, male support networks are being encouraged to assist with household responsibilities, promote maternal rest and mental well-being, and help ensure breastfeeding mothers have adequate nutrition.
Mr Chisichawo said their interventions also covered complementary feeding for children from six months to 24 months and beyond, with families being supported to access nutrient-dense foods through household food security and climate-resilient nutrition initiatives.
He said they are working with local health systems, village health workers and community leaders in hard-to-reach districts to strengthen nutrition interventions and build resilient communities.
Mr Chisichawo called on the media, civil society organisations, Government ministries and local leaders to promote, protect and support breastfeeding during the commemorations.
He said strengthening support for breastfeeding mothers and families was key to improving child health and building a healthier and more resilient Zimbabwe.
