The Eastern Cape Department of Health observed National breastfeeding week from the 22 to 26 August 20011 at Elundini Sub District in Joe Gqabi District.
Nationally, breast feeding week is observed from 1 to 7 August 2011 but due to weather conditions at Elundini Sub district and other factors, Eastern Cape Health decided to observe it on the above mentioned dates.
The targeted groups included mothers, pregnant women, women of a child bearing age, families and communities.
According to the latest survey findings from the 2008 Human Sciences Research Council (HRSC) report, 25 % of children aged between 0 to 6 months were reported to be exclusively breastfed. The same study also reported that 22% of children from 0 to 6 months were exclusively formula fed. The study also showed that more than half of this age group were mix fed (i.e. fed both formula and breast milk).
The objective of the breastfeeding week 2011 therefore was to promote, protect and support breastfeeding as a key child survival strategy in South Africa (SA); to reinforce breastfeeding as a cultural practice in SA; to emphasise the importance of exclusive breastfeeding and to raise awareness on the new recommendations on HIV and infant feeding.
The initiative was done in a form of door to door campaign where health workers visited communities around Elundini Sub District, educating and supporting communities on breast feeding.
Teams were deployed in Maclear, Ugie, Tsolo, Katkop and surrounding areas, Ulundi route, Berthania, Tsitsana, Hlankomo, Emdeni, Solomzi, and Enkululekweni. More than 400 households were visited.
Source: Eastern Cape Department of Health
