FIRST Lady, Dr Tshepo Motsepe has expressed concern at statistics revealing that only one-third of infants under six months of age are exclusively breastfed in South Africa.

Motsepe made the remark while addressing the UNICEF International Council Gala Dinner in Cape Town on Tuesday.

In her address, the First Lady also commended the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) for partnering with South Africa’s efforts of promoting breastfeeding.

“It’s encouraging to know that we have support in our efforts to address the concerning statistic that only one-third of infants under six months of age are exclusively breastfed in this country,” she said.

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“Global evidence proves that where breastfeeding is protected, promoted and supported, women are two and a half times more likely to breastfeed. If South Africa is to reach the 2025 UN target, our challenge is to support mothers to exclusively breastfeed for at least six months, and where possible continue until the child is two years old. We need to become a breastfeeding-friendly nation,” she said.

In the early childhood development sector, UNICEF partners with the South African Government through technical assistance to strengthen legislative frameworks, systems and programmes, and ensure that all children survive, thrive and develop from the start.

The programme includes a comprehensive focus on the first 1 000 days for mothers and their infants.

“One of the ways in which we witness how UNICEF is making a difference in South Africa is through its support of a nationally targeted breastfeeding advocacy and media campaign. Breastfeeding plays a significant role in contributing to the optimal health and development of a child, providing each child with the best and healthiest start to life,” said Motsepe.

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