International Breastfeeding Week: One of the World's Smartest Investments

Every year, World Breastfeeding Week (1–7 August), shines a spotlight on one of the most powerful public health interventions available.

While breastfeeding is often viewed as a personal parenting choice, its impact extends far beyond individual families - it affects national health systems, economies and the environment.

According to the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA), not breastfeeding in line with global recommendations is associated with an estimated 383,000 avoidable child deaths and 138,000 avoidable maternal deaths every year. The economic impact is equally staggering, with the global cost estimated at US$339 billion annually.

That adds up to even more money than the big formula companies make selling baby formula (about $100 billion/year). So its a massive NET LOSS.

Those figures are why organisations including the World Health Organization (WHO),  UNICEF, and the  Global Breastfeeding Collective continue to advocate for greater investment in breastfeeding support.

This year's World Breastfeeding Week will see the launch of an updated global investment case for breastfeeding, commissioned by WHO and UNICEF and produced by Nutrition International. The report examines the economic costs of not breastfeeding, highlights interventions proven to improve breastfeeding rates, and provides guidance for governments on where investment can make the greatest difference.

Breastfeeding is not simply about nutrition. Research has shown it reduces the risk of infections during infancy and is associated with lower rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life. For mothers, breastfeeding is linked with a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

Yet many mothers face significant barriers, including limited maternity leave, inadequate workplace support, aggressive marketing of breastmilk substitutes, and a lack of access to skilled lactation assistance.

International Breastfeeding Week is therefore about much more than celebrating breastfeeding - it's about recognising that supporting mothers is an investment in healthier children, healthier women and healthier societies.

When governments invest in breastfeeding support, everyone benefits. Few public health initiatives can improve lifelong health, reduce healthcare costs and strengthen economies all at once. Breastfeeding isn't simply good for families - it is one of the smartest investments a country can make.