Health

The theme for World Breastfeeding Week 2026, "Breastfeeding for a sustainable start in life: strengthening what works," is linked to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1. This SDG addresses the goal of ending poverty by 2030.

It relates to breastfeeding because breastfeeding:

- Provides optimal nutrition for children, serving as an unparalleled biological foundation for early childhood.

- Promotes food security, as breast milk is a natural, renewable, and self-sufficient resource that requires no transportation, packaging, or fuel.

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.

In 2026, the theme for World Breastfeeding Week is "Breastfeeding for a sustainable start in life: strengthening what works."

Many practices have been shown to improve breastfeeding outcomes:

- Skilled counseling on infant and young child feeding

- Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative

- National mass media campaigns

- International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes

- Paid maternity leave

- Workplace breastfeeding support

The Pan American Health Organization's Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Follow-up of Newborns at Risk recommend that the frequency of check-ups be, according to each aspect to be evaluated, as shown in the following table:

Beyond the age of 2, children at risk should continue to be monitored, at least until they enter school.

To ensure the quality and safety of the retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screening exam, the Pan American Health Organization's Clinical Practice Guidelines emphasize the importance of preparing the infant for fundus examination, including appropriate pain management and comfort during the procedure.

Before the ROP screening exam, to dilate the newborn's pupil, it is recommended:

Every year, an estimated 1 in 10 babies is born prematurely, which amounts to approximately 1.2 million children in the Region of the Americas.

Prematurity, defined as birth before the 37th week of gestation, is one of the leading causes of neonatal mortality, morbidity, and disability. Newborns face a significantly higher risk of complications — from breathing difficulties, infections, and poor growth to delays in neurological, school, and lifelong development.

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is the leading cause of preventable blindness in childhood. Managing ROP is a priority policy to reduce its prevalence and promote eye health.

Newborns, and children deserve safe care tailored to every stage of their lives.

Health professionals: your role is key to preventing avoidable harm.

Families play a key role in ensuring that newborns and children receive safe health care.

Mothers, fathers, and caregivers can contribute by keeping records of medications and symptoms, staying informed, asking questions, and voicing any concerns.

Join the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) for a regional webinar to mark World Patient Safety Day 2025 under the slogan “Patient safety from the start!”.

On World Patient Safety Day, it’s critical to highlight the need for safe care from the very beginning of life. Newborns and children require care tailored to their age, weight, developmental stage, health needs, and social context to prevent avoidable harm.