Rwanda is recognized as having the highest exclusive breastfeeding rate in the world. According to recent global data, Rwanda and then Sri Lanka are at the top, with both countries reporting that approximately 81% of infants are exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life. This figure is confirmed by both the World Population Review and recent peer-reviewed studies.
These high exclusive breastfeeding rates —about 81% of infants are exclusively breastfed for the first six months—has a significant positive impact on child health outcomes:
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Reduced Child Mortality: The increase in exclusive breastfeeding has contributed to a dramatic reduction in under-five mortality rates. Between 2005 and 2013, Rwanda’s under-five mortality fell from 152 to 54 per 1,000 live births, a more than 70% reduction. Improved exclusive breastfeeding, alongside other interventions like immunization, has been a key factor in this progress.
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Lower Infant and Neonatal Mortality: Early and exclusive breastfeeding is associated with improved survival of newborns and infants, particularly by reducing deaths from infectious diseases and malnutrition.
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Protection Against Infectious Diseases: Breastfeeding provides essential nutrients and antibodies that protect infants from common childhood illnesses, especially diarrhea and respiratory infections, which are major causes of child mortality in low-income countries
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