Breastfeeding Saves Lives. But only if women are supported. That’s why, during World Breastfeeding Week, INTERSOS organised several awareness-raising initiatives in the countries where we work. These small moments are part of a broader framework of support for mothers that we carry out all year long.
Every day, in every corner of the world, mothers make an incredible choice: to nourish, protect, and connect with their babies through breastfeeding. But while this act may seem natural, it doesn’t always come easy — especially in crisis.
This is why International Breastfeeding Week matters. And why, this year, INTERSOS has joined the global movement to stand with mothers everywhere — in refugee camps, conflict zones, and vulnerable communities — to say: you are not alone.
Breastfeeding isn’t just about food. It’s the first vaccine, the first hug, the first safety net a child knows. In places where clean water is scarce and health systems are fragile, it can mean the difference between life and death. But too often, mothers are left without the information, space, or encouragement they need to keep going.
So this week, across some of our missions, we’ve taken action:
• In Afghanistan, we set up “breastfeeding corners,” shared new materials with moms, and produced videos with local health workers to spread awareness.
• In Moldova, we marched through the streets, talked about myths and facts, and launched a digital campaign to spark conversation online.
• In Venezuela, we brought breastfeeding into Children’s Day events — turning celebration into education, with the help of local health professionals.
• In Syria, our mobile clinics reached remote villages, while midwives led sessions for mothers who might otherwise be left behind.
• In Nigeria, we joined hands with the Ministry of Health to kick off the week with events in health centers across Borno State.
Each of these moments — small, local, human — is part of a bigger picture. A picture where breastfeeding is protected, promoted, and supported not just for a week, but all year long.
Because when a mother is empowered, a child is given a stronger start. And that changes everything.