It’s sad that misinformation and marketing messages lead mothers to think that commercially produced infant formula is better for babies than breastmilk. The truth is, ‘breast is best’ – and that’s a fact.
 
The importance of breastfeeding to a child’s health and development – as well as its role in mother-baby bonding – is just one of several reasons that our Sireletsa Bana project is helping to build children’s health in Limpopo’s Capricorn District and in Thabo Mofutsanyane District in the Free State.
 
But it’s not only babies and young children who benefit from Sireletsa Bana. The project has also bolstered the knowledge of 600 healthcare workers and 900 Early Childhood Development (ECD) practitioners.
 
Thanks to your support and this multi-faceted project, nurses are better able to educate mothers of young children on good health and feeding, while ECD centres have improved their nutrition practices. Additionally, stronger links between the health care and ECD sectors are a huge help in identifying and helping malnourished children.
 
The result of this project – and others like it – is healthier, happier children, better able to thrive and learn.

ENDS

About: Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In South Africa and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share.
 
Note to the Editor: If children are affected, we’ve got something to say. Our team of experts are available for comments, interviews and information.