World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action

World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action

The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) is a global network of individuals and organizations dedicated to the protection, promotion, and support of breastfeeding worldwide. Established in 1991, WABA works in close collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) to advocate for breastfeeding as a fundamental human right for mothers and children.

History

WABA was formed in response to the Innocenti Declaration on the Protection, Promotion and Support of Breastfeeding, which was adopted in 1990 by participants at a meeting co-sponsored by WHO and UNICEF. The declaration called for all governments to develop national breastfeeding policies and set targets for breastfeeding rates.

Mission and Objectives

WABA's mission is to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding as the natural and optimal way of feeding infants and young children. The alliance aims to:

• Raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding for both maternal and child health.
• Advocate for supportive breastfeeding policies and practices at the global, national, and community levels.
• Foster collaboration among various stakeholders, including governments, non-governmental organizations, and health professionals.
• Support research and dissemination of information on breastfeeding.

Key Activities

WABA is known for organizing the annual World Breastfeeding Week, which takes place from August 1 to 7. This event is celebrated in over 120 countries and aims to highlight the benefits of breastfeeding and the need for global support.

WABA also engages in various advocacy and capacity-building activities, including:

• Developing educational materials and resources for health professionals and the public.
• Conducting workshops and training sessions to enhance breastfeeding knowledge and skills.
• Collaborating with international organizations to influence breastfeeding-related policies and programs.

Partnerships and Collaborations

WABA works in partnership with a wide range of organizations, including:

• La Leche League International
• International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN)
• Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine

These partnerships help to strengthen the global breastfeeding movement and ensure a coordinated approach to advocacy and support.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite significant progress, WABA continues to face challenges in promoting breastfeeding, such as:

• Cultural and social barriers that discourage breastfeeding.
• Aggressive marketing of breast milk substitutes by some companies.
• Lack of adequate maternity protection and support for breastfeeding mothers in the workplace.

WABA is committed to addressing these challenges by:

• Advocating for stronger regulations on the marketing of breast milk substitutes.
• Promoting policies that support breastfeeding-friendly environments in workplaces and communities.
• Encouraging research to further understand the barriers to breastfeeding and develop effective interventions.

Conclusion

The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action remains a pivotal force in the global effort to promote breastfeeding. Through its advocacy, partnerships, and educational initiatives, WABA continues to work towards a world where breastfeeding is universally recognized and supported as a vital component of maternal and child health.