Given the benefits of breastfeeding for children, breastfeeding women, their families, the global economy, and the environment, World Breastfeeding Week is observed annually from August 1 to 7 to raise awareness and spur action on breastfeeding-related issues. T
he World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) launched this observance in 1992 to commemorate the 1990 Innocenti Declaration—an international agreement adopted by the WHO and UNICEF in Florence, Italy, aimed at protecting, promoting, and supporting exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life.
Since 2016, the theme has been linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The theme for 2026 is "Breastfeeding for a sustainable start in life: strengthening what works." It relates to SDG 1: No Poverty.
According to figures published by the WHO, increasing investment—by 75% over the next decade—in actions proven to improve breastfeeding rates in countries with a high burden of morbidity and mortality could prevent between 224,000 and 263,000 child deaths and yield economic benefits of approximately 276 to 357 billion.
The Pan American Health Organization joins the global community in supporting efforts to strengthen measures that protect, promote, and support the right to breastfeed throughout the Region of the Americas.
