Tanzania has made notable progress in improving infant nutrition, with the proportion of babies exclusively breastfed during their first six months rising from 58 percent in 2018 to 64 percent in 2022, government officials have said.
The figures were revealed on Friday during the launch of World Breastfeeding Week celebrations in Tanga Region, where authorities underscored the critical role of breastfeeding in reducing child malnutrition and improving health outcomes.
Speaking on behalf of Tanga Regional Commissioner Dr Batilda Burian, Tanga District Commissioner Dadi Kolimba said the country has also recorded significant gains in early breastfeeding, with the proportion of newborns breastfed within the first hour after birth increasing from 53.5 percent in 2018 to 70 percent in 2022.
The improvements, he said, reflect the impact of sustained public awareness campaigns and government interventions aimed at promoting optimal infant feeding practices.
“Breastfeeding is one of the most effective and affordable interventions for safeguarding child health and survival. We must continue supporting mothers to breastfeed their children for at least two years,” Mr Kolimba said.
He noted, however, that maintaining breastfeeding beyond a child’s first year remains a challenge, calling for stronger support systems at family, community and workplace levels.
Mr Kolimba said the government continues to enforce policies and regulations that protect maternity rights, including maternity leave, workplace breastfeeding breaks and safeguards against discrimination, to enable women to balance childcare and employment responsibilities.
He urged employers, institutions, development partners and community leaders to create breastfeeding-friendly environments that allow mothers to continue nursing without barriers.
The district commissioner also called on fathers to play a more active role in supporting breastfeeding by providing emotional, social and financial support to mothers.
“Breastfeeding is not solely a mother’s responsibility. Family support, particularly from fathers, is essential for ensuring children receive adequate nutrition during the critical early years of life,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health’s Assistant Director for Nutrition Services, Ms Neema Joshua, said breast milk remains the recommended and sufficient source of nutrition for infants during their first six months.
After that period, she said, children should begin receiving appropriate complementary foods while continuing to breastfeed to support healthy growth and development.
Ms Joshua said improving nutrition remains a key government priority, noting that President Samia Suluhu Hassan has consistently emphasized the importance of investing in maternal and child health as part of broader efforts to build a healthy and productive nation.
World Breastfeeding Week, observed globally from August 1 to 8, aims to raise awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding and encourage governments, communities and workplaces to provide greater support to mothers and young children.