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Chad is the 8th country in West and Central Africa to launch the “Stronger With Breastmilk Only” initiative

May 18 2021

Chad has launched "Stronger With Breastmilk Only," the regional exclusive breastfeeding initiative, becoming the eighth country to do so in the West and Central Africa.

SWBO launch in Chad
A mother and her child at the launch of the Stronger With Breastmilk Only initiative in Chad. Chad is the eighth country in West and Central Africa to launch the initiative.

With only 2 out of every 10 infants under 6 months exclusively breastfed in the country, launching the initiative in Chad means the country will undertake a variety of efforts to increase early and exclusive breastfeeding rates in order to reach the World Health Assembly's target of 50% by 2025; breastfeeding contributes to many Sustainable Development Goals.  

Under the patronage of the First Lady of Chad Hinda Deby, more than 200 socially distanced stakeholders joined the Minister of Health and National Solidarity at the Maison de la Femme to launch the initiative, which took place in December 2020 during the country’s observance of World Breastfeeding Week. 

map
With Chad's launch, eight countries are now implementing activities to promote exclusive breastfeeding as part of the Stronger With Breastmilk Only initiative. Those circled in purple have officially launched the initiative.

Minister Dr. Abdoulaye Sabre Fadoul highlighted Chad commitments during the ceremony, and said the country was committed to achieving the 50% exclusive breastfeeding rate by 2025.  

“Together let's make early initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding a reality in Chad. Thus, we will give every child the best start in life.” said Mariana Stirbu, UNICEF deputy representative in Chad.

LISTEN to Yasmine Abdallah’s song promoting exclusive breastfeeding in Chad in local language (Arabic)
LISTEN also to these short radio programmes on exclusive breastfeeding in Arabic and French.

Chad is the eighth country to launch the initiative, joining Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Liberia, Niger and Nigeria.

Stay up to date on the latest developments by following UNICEF Africa and Alive & Thrive on Twitter and visiting this website often!

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