Breastfeeding awareness campaign launched to promote optimal feeding practices among mothers

In an endeavour to promote optimal feeding practices for young children and ensure their well-being, an awareness campaign aiming to sensitise women on the importance of breastfeeding was launched today in presence of the Minister of Health and Wellness, Mr Anil Kumar Bachoo at the Triolet Mediclinic.

The Minister of Local Government, Mr Ranjiv Woochit; Junior Minister of Health and Wellness, Mrs Anishta Babooram; Members of the National Assembly; and the Regional Health Director, Dr H. Reesaul, were among the attendees.

On this occasion, several health services were offered to the public, including screening tests for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), a blood donation drive, breastfeeding counselling and breast and cervical cancer screenings.

In his address, Minister Bachoo recalled the commitment of the Government to enhancing the healthcare system in Mauritius for every one, starting at neo-natal stage. Breastfeeding, he said, is the biologically normal feeding method for neonates, infants and young children and plays a vital role in ensuring optimal growth and development. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, he emphasised, offers numerous benefits, including protection against infections, enhanced brain development, strengthened immunity and a reduced risk of breast and cervical cancers for mothers.

He expressed concern that only 20% of new mothers currently practise exclusive breastfeeding while others have taken recourse to bottle-feeding, despite a range of supportive measures implemented by the Government. They include provision of paid maternity leave and one hour release for breastfeeding for Public Officers, flexi-time for new mothers working in the private sector, mandatory breastfeeding breaks, specialised training for health staff and setting up lactation corners in hospitals. A regional breastfeeding committee has also been set up to structure governance and integrated care, added Minister Bachoo.

Speaking on the prevalence of NCDs, he further called upon the population to undergo early screening tests to facilitate prevention of health complications and benefit from timely treatment. The importance of adopting healthier lifestyles and engaging in regular physical exercise was also highlighted by the Minister.

As for Dr Reesaul, he spoke of the need to establishing baby-friendly hospital practices to help support child-care and lactating mothers in line with World Health Organization and United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund standards. He reiterated the commitment of health professionals to provide consistent and evidence-based guidance to mothers, creating dedicated lactating support teams within maternity unit.

25 February 2026

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Topics: Health