PKH Lampung News – Damascus, 3 August 2025 – As the world prepares to observe a crucial week dedicated to infant and maternal well-being, Syria’s situation demands immediate action. A concerning number of Syrian children are being deprived of the significant advantages that breastfeeding offers. Startlingly, only 4 out of 10 infants in Syria are exclusively breastfed during the first six months of life, a period vital for their survival, growth, and cognitive development. Furthermore, only 35% continue breastfeeding up to the recommended age of two.
The focus this year is a critical reminder of the vital role breastfeeding has in safeguarding child health and development. Amidst prolonged crisis, displacement, and economic challenges impacting families across Syria, breastfeeding provides a crucial defense, strengthening children’s immunity, fostering brain development, and guarding against malnutrition.
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Government Commitment
“The Ministry of Health is fully committed to strengthening national breastfeeding support systems—from health counselling to workplace protections,” said H.E. Dr. Musaab Alali, Minister of Health of the Syrian Arab Republic. “Investing in breastfeeding is a cost-effective way to protect the health of both mothers and children and build a healthier future for Syria.”
Malnutrition Crisis
Malnutrition remains a significant problem in Syria. Almost 1 in 4 children under the age of five experience stunted growth due to chronic undernutrition, and 5.8% suffer from wasting, which puts them at immediate risk of death without medical intervention. Breastfeeding is a powerful intervention that can prevent these conditions, ensuring that children not only survive but also thrive.
“Breastfeeding saves lives. It is a child’s first vaccine—providing essential nutrients, antibodies and protection in the earliest and most vulnerable stage of life,” said Ms. Christina Bethke, WHO Acting Representative in Syria. “It is also a safeguard for mothers’ health. WHO is working with the Ministry of Health, UNICEF, and partners to strengthen the health system, train health workers, and raise awareness to ensure that every woman in Syria has the support and space to breastfeed safely.”
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Unfortunately, many mothers lack the time, support, information, and secure environments necessary to breastfeed successfully. It is imperative to create supportive conditions in homes, workplaces, communities, and healthcare facilities.
Call to Action
UNICEF and WHO are jointly urging for stronger and more sustainable breastfeeding support systems, which include:
- Urgent enactment of the revised Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes
- Paid maternity leave and breastfeeding-friendly workplaces
- Protection from aggressive marketing of breastmilk substitutes
- Access to skilled breastfeeding counsellors and support in health facilities
“UNICEF remains committed to supporting the Ministry of Health to advance systems and create and enabling environment in support of breastfeeding mothers,” said Ms. Zeinab Adam, Deputy Representative, UNICEF in Syria. “When a mother is supported to breastfeed, an entire generation is given a better chance at life. This is not only an investment in a child’s future—but in Syria’s future.”
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Breastfeeding is not merely a personal decision but a public health priority and a shared responsibility. Mothers who receive comprehensive support are more likely to initiate and continue breastfeeding, giving their children the healthiest possible start to life. Urgent Support Needed for Mothers and Children.
Monique Awad, Chief Communication and Advocacy, email: mawad@unicef.org
Hasan Burhan, Communication Officer, email: hburhan@unicef.org
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Mrinalini Santhanam, Communications Officer, email: santhanamm@who.int
Halah Kabash, Communication Officer, email: kabbashh@who.int
UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund, works to protect the rights of every child, everywhere, especially the most disadvantaged children and in the toughest places to reach. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we do whatever it takes to help children survive, thrive, and fulfil their potential.
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Follow UNICEF Syria on Linked-In, Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, and visit UNICEF Syria’s website.
WHO leads global efforts to expand universal health coverage. We direct and coordinate the world’s response to health emergencies. And we promote healthier lives – from pregnancy care through old age. Our Triple Billion targets outline an ambitious plan for the world to achieve good health for all using science-based policies and programmes.
Follow WHO Syria on: Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, and visit WHO Syria’s website.
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