First issue of Breastfeeding Newsletter launched to further promote breastfeeding in Mauritius

The Ministry of Health and Wellness launched, yesterday, in Ebène, the first issue of its Breastfeeding Newsletter. The publication forms part of the Annual Work plan on breastfeeding and aims to strengthen the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding in Mauritius.

The newsletter will be distributed through health facilities and the Ministry’s communication channels to support mothers, families and health professionals.

The Minister of Health and Wellness, Mr Anil Kumar Bachoo; the Junior Minister of Health and Wellness, Mrs Anishta Babooram; and other high officials, were present at the ceremony.

In his address on the occasion, the Health Minister underlined that breastfeeding is not only a maternal and child health issue but also a key national strategy for the prevention of non-communicable diseases. He thus dwelt on the benefits of breastfeeding in preventing obesity and diabetes.

However, Minister Bachoo expressed concern that in Mauritius, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding at six months remains below international recommendations, at approximately 19.2%, despite a high initiation rate, where over 96.4% of mothers start breastfeeding. He also noted that the high caesarean section rate of 61.9% contributes significantly to early formula feeding, thereby reducing the duration of breastfeeding.

In this context, he outlined the range of initiatives undertaken by the Ministry to promote breastfeeding, including counselling services in maternity and primary health care settings, community awareness campaigns, development of communication materials to support families, and collaboration with partners and community organisations.

The Minister acknowledged too the invaluable contribution of these partners and civil society groups, as well as organisations working directly with mothers and families at the community level, for their role in championing breastfeeding in Mauritius.

According to Mr Bachoo, the newsletter is intended as a practical communication tool, providing reliable information on the benefits of breastfeeding, recommended practices, and ways in which families, communities, and institutions can support mothers.

11 March 2026

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Topics: Health