Elections force postponement of Breastfeeding Week commemorations

The recently held and disputed July 31 elections have caused the postponement of the annual Breastfeeding Week commemorations under the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare, it has emerged.

“The Ministry of Health and Child Welfare has postponed the holding of Breastfeeding Week commemorations due to elections,” said the Director of Family Health, Bernard Madzima in a telephone interview. “The commemorations would now be held early September,” added Madzima.

However, sources at Kaguvi Building, where the ministry is housed, told The Zimbabwean that the move has been precipitated by the need to wait for the appointment of a new Minister of Health.

“Elections have put the preparations of holding the world event Breastfeeding Week on time is in disarray. The day is yet to be finalised but the main reason is to see who would be Minister of Health and Child Welfare, so that he or she can officiate at the big event,” said the source.

Breastfeeding Week is held annually from August 1-7 and the Ministry of Health chooses a day where all stakeholders including representatives from THE World Health Organisation, UNICEF, communities and children meet to reflect on the importance, and take stock, of breastfeeding practices in the country.

This year’s commemorations are set to be held in the remote area of Binga in Matabeleland North Province under the theme “Breastfeeding Support: Close to Mothers”.

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