The start of the fifth edition of the Breastfeeding Caravan was given today in Hâncești. The event promotes exclusive breastfeeding as a condition for the health and good mood of the child and the mother. For seven days, families from six regions of the country will discuss with health experts the challenges, benefits and importance of breastfeeding for the child and mother, IPN reports.

Minister of Health Ala Nemerenco noted that the percentage of breastfeeding in the world is 48%, while in Moldova it is 78%. In recent years, it has increased to over 80%, but it is a small percentage because it goes to breastfeeding up to 6 months. In the case of breastfeeding up to a year, the percentage decreases. Breast milk contains everything necessary for the baby to ensure healthy growth and healthy immunity. Breastfed babies are healthier.

Yevgenia Hiora, project manager at the EU Delegation to Moldova, said that the European Union recognizes the importance of breastfeeding and has taken measures to protect, promote and support it. Breastfeeding has long been encouraged in Europe to improve the health of babies. Although breastfeeding is a biological form of feeding babies in the first years of life, data suggest that the breastfeeding rate is below the recommendations of the World Health Organization. To reach the 70% target by 2030, there is a need to remove the obstacles faced by women, including through the development of women-friendly policies.

The Breastfeeding Caravan will arrive on July 25 in Balti, on July 26 in the village of Carpineni, Hâncești, on July 29 – in Leova, on July 30 – in Cantemir, and on August 1 and 2 - in Chisinau.

The Breastfeeding Caravan is organized in the context of the World Breastfeeding Week – a global initiative to encourage exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months of life.

The first edition of the campaign in the Republic of Moldova was held in 2019.