The government has called on public and private institutions to establish breastfeeding-friendly workplaces to enable mothers to continue providing breast milk to their children after returning to work.
The Ministry of Health said creating supportive environments for breastfeeding mothers is critical in improving child health, nutrition and development, as breast milk remains one of the most effective interventions for giving children a strong start in life.
The call was made yesterday by the Ministry’s Assistant Director of Human Resources, Ms Amisa Mwakawago, during the closing of World Breastfeeding Week 2026 celebrations and the launch of a breastfeeding room at the Ministry’s offices in Mtumba, Dodoma.
The celebrations were held under the theme “A Strong Start in Life Begins with Breast Milk,” highlighting the importance of protecting and promoting breastfeeding as part of efforts to improve maternal and child health outcomes.
Ms Mwakawago said the establishment of the breastfeeding room reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring women are supported to continue breastfeeding even after resuming their professional responsibilities.
“Workplaces have an important role in creating conditions that allow mothers to breastfeed their children while meeting their employment obligations,” she said.
She explained that exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a child’s life provides essential nutrients, strengthens immunity, improves growth and supports brain development.
Acting Chief Medical Officer of the Government, Dr Eliud Eliakimu, said improving breastfeeding rates requires collective responsibility among families, communities, health workers, employers and development partners.
He urged stakeholders to support mothers to begin breastfeeding immediately after birth, provide exclusive breast milk during the first six months, and continue breastfeeding up to two years or beyond while introducing appropriate complementary foods.
Dr Eliakimu also stressed the need to combine breastfeeding support with early childhood development initiatives by educating parents and caregivers on positive parenting, communication and the use of play as a tool for learning.
Meanwhile, Assistant Director in the Preventive Health Department, Epidemiology Section, Dr Vida Mmbaga, called on institutions across the country to establish breastfeeding rooms and adopt workplace policies that support parents.
She said such measures would help protect children’s right to breast milk while allowing mothers to remain productive in their workplaces.
“Supporting breastfeeding is not only about mothers and children; it is an investment in the health and future development of the entire nation,” Dr Mmbaga said.
The initiative comes as Tanzania continues to strengthen maternal and child health programmes, with breastfeeding promotion identified as a key strategy in reducing childhood illnesses and improving nutrition outcomes.
