The Secretaría de Salud and DIF Jalisco organized a series of events to promote exclusive breastfeeding during the World Breastfeeding Week [1].
Public health initiatives like this aim to reduce infant mortality and improve long-term developmental outcomes by providing families with medical evidence and reliable information [1].
The campaign, known as Semana Mundial de la Lactancia Materna, took place from Aug. 1 to Aug. 7, 2024 [1]. The program featured a variety of community outreach activities, including public walks, forums, and specialized trainings designed to support new mothers in Jalisco, Mexico [1].
Medical guidelines from the World Health Organization recommend that infants be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life [2]. This recommendation is further supported by research from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which confirmed the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding even in specific medical contexts, such as when the mother is HIV-positive [3].
Local health officials said that exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months provides a foundation for better health that lasts for five years [1]. These efforts reflect a broader regional push to increase breastfeeding rates, similar to trends seen in other Latin American nations. For example, data from ENDES 2024 indicates that 67.4% of babies in Peru are breastfed exclusively [4].
By focusing on education and accessibility, the Jalisco government seeks to dispel myths and provide the necessary structural support for mothers to adhere to these health guidelines [1].
“Exclusive breastfeeding for six months guarantees better health for five years.”
The Jalisco campaign aligns with global health standards to improve neonatal and infant survival rates. By leveraging World Breastfeeding Week, the regional government is attempting to institutionalize WHO guidelines into local practice, addressing a critical window of development that significantly impacts a child's health trajectory into early childhood.
