By Michael Gwarisa
As the world observes World Breastfeeding Week from August 1 to 7, Nutrition Action Zimbabwe (NAZ) is calling for urgent action to reverse a sharp decline in exclusive breastfeeding rates and address the deeply rooted cultural, economic, and systemic challenges threatening infant health across the country.
According to Chisichawo Mutendadzamera, Nutrition Manager at NAZ, World Breastfeeding Week presents a strategic opportunity to galvanize action.
Breast milk is the ultimate natural vaccine. It provides the perfect balance of nutrients, is easy to digest, and protects against common childhood illnesses,” he said. “This week allows us to reinforce breastfeeding as a sustainable, life-saving intervention and a fundamental human right.”
He emphasized that breastfeeding success requires a strong support system including families, health workers, communities, and workplaces. NAZ uses this week to engage all these stakeholders and rally them around the cause.
Breastfeeding Trends in Zimbabwe: A Mixed Picture
Zimbabwe has made progress in some areas of breastfeeding, but key indicators remain troubling. Exclusive breastfeeding rates have dropped to just 20.1 percent, well below the 70 percent national target. While early initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour of birth stands at 86 percent, continued breastfeeding between 12 and 23 months is at 52 percent, also below the recommended levels.
“Despite the progress, negative cultural beliefs, social influence and limited support continue to derail breastfeeding efforts. We are working closely with the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) and various partners to turn this around,” said Mutendadzamera.
Since 2014, NAZ has focused on empowering communities, strengthening health systems, and advocating for policies that support breastfeeding. However, gaps remain. Insufficient caregiver knowledge, limited postnatal counseling, and aggressive marketing of breastmilk substitutes all hinder progress. Vulnerable mothers, including those who are young, HIV-positive, disabled, or low-income, are particularly underserved.
“There are very few inclusive outreach strategies tailored for these groups,” he said.
Community-Driven Interventions
To promote breastfeeding, NAZ employs the care group approach—a grassroots model where trained lead mothers educate neighbors on exclusive breastfeeding, hygiene, and nutrition. This model relies on peer-to-peer learning and trust, which enhances behavior change.
The organization also uses mass media and bulk SMS campaigns to deliver breastfeeding messages to mothers and caregivers of children under five.
Fathers, traditional leaders, and communities are engaged through the Care Group model and the Social Analysis Action approach. These community dialogues are used to challenge harmful socio-cultural norms and reinforce positive ones.
Health System Strengths and Shortfalls
Zimbabwe’s health system has made notable efforts to support breastfeeding. The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) is being implemented in several health facilities. Postnatal counseling is offered, and waiting mothers’ shelters have been constructed in some institutions.
However, coverage of BFHI remains uneven across districts. Many rural clinics face staff shortages and inconsistent training. Furthermore, most waiting mothers’ shelters lack dedicated breastfeeding education and support.
At the community level, the government relies on Care Groups and trained Village Health Workers to provide lactation counseling and support. The Integrated Outreach Programme also extends services to hard-to-reach areas. Yet, saturation and coverage of these initiatives remain insufficient.
Health workers in Zimbabwe receive training through the WHO/UNICEF Maternal, Adolescent, Infant and Young Child Feeding (MAIYCF) Counseling Course. Village Health Workers are also trained using a UNICEF-supported toolkit called the Community MAIYCF Package, which provides culturally adapted materials and practical support for peer counseling.
Threat of Breastmilk Substitutes
The marketing of breastmilk substitutes, especially through digital platforms, is undermining breastfeeding. Many mothers are lured by the portrayal of formula as modern and convenient.
“While we have updated our legal framework with Statutory Instrument 192 of 2024, replacing the older SI 46, enforcement remains weak,” said Mutendadzamera. “Digital loopholes, limited monitoring capacity, and low public awareness hinder progress.”
NAZ counters these challenges through MAIYCF trainings, Care Groups, community dialogues, and media campaigns.
Maternal malnutrition is another critical barrier. It impacts milk quantity, quality, and the mother’s ability to breastfeed consistently. Fatigue, low immunity, and slow postpartum recovery are common in malnourished mothers.
However, Mutendadzamera stressed that even moderately malnourished women can breastfeed successfully if supported. She emphasized that supporting the mother nutritionally is far more effective than resorting to formula feeding.
In times of crisis such as economic shocks, droughts, or disease outbreaks, breastfeeding becomes a lifesaving measure.
“Breastmilk is always available, safe, and does not require clean water or storage. It also protects against common infections and offers emotional stability to both mother and child,” he said.
Progress and Challenges
NAZ is proud of its work in expanding Care Groups and empowering Village Health Workers and peer counselors. These initiatives have brought accurate breastfeeding information and emotional support closer to communities, especially in remote areas.
However, multiple challenges persist. Low exclusive breastfeeding rates, socio-economic barriers, limited workplace support, weak enforcement of regulations, and funding constraints all continue to impede progress.
World Breastfeeding Week 2025 Theme
This year, NAZ is championing the theme “Prioritize Breastfeeding, Create Sustainable Support Systems.” The organization believes long-lasting, community-driven initiatives are essential for empowering mothers and ensuring healthy child development.
NAZ is supporting district launch events in Mangwe, Beitbridge, Kariba, Gutu, Chipinge, and Gokwe North. Activities include community dialogues, songs, dramas, cooking demonstrations, and showcasing of locally available, energy-dense meals to promote timely complementary feeding.
A Call to Action
Mutendadzamera concluded with a powerful message. “We urge government, civil society, health workers, employers, and families to work together to create environments where breastfeeding is protected and promoted. Only by investing in supportive systems can we ensure a healthier, more resilient future for Zimbabwe’s children.”
