1–7 August 2026

Theme: Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.

Resilience Integration and Sustainable Empowerment (RISE) proudly joins the global community in commemorating World Breastfeeding Awareness Week 2026, reaffirming our commitment to improving maternal and child health through awareness, advocacy, and community engagement.

Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure a healthy start in life. Early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months, and continued breastfeeding alongside appropriate complementary feeding up to two years and beyond significantly improve child survival, nutrition, growth, and development.

Breastfeeding provides babies with complete nutrition and essential antibodies that protect against infections while strengthening their immune systems. It also offers lifelong health benefits for both mothers and children, making it a simple, natural, and cost-effective investment in healthier families and stronger communities.

Despite its proven benefits, many mothers continue to face barriers to successful breastfeeding. RISE believes that every mother deserves the information, encouragement, and supportive environment needed to breastfeed successfully—whether at home, in health facilities, workplaces, or within the community.

As we observe this important week, RISE calls upon government institutions, healthcare providers, development partners, community leaders, families, and employers to work together to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding. By strengthening what works and investing in maternal and child health, we can give every child the best possible start in life.

Together, let’s make breastfeeding work for every mother and every baby.