Nduhungirehe Encourages Children at Sherrie Silver Foundation
Foreign Affairs Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe has urged children supported by the Sherrie Silver Foundation to dream (…)
The Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion is urging parents to breastfeed their children properly, calling it a vital gift that lays the foundation for a healthy life.
The call came Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, during the launch of a national week dedicated to promoting proper breastfeeding.
Mireille Batamuriza, State Minister at the ministry, highlighted the benefits of breastfeeding, saying it supports both physical and mental development.
“All good things a person has start from birth and being properly breastfed,” Batamuriza said. “Breastfeeding a child well is giving them a fundamental gift in life. It is a strong foundation for building a healthy life and helps the child grow into a well-developed person.”
She noted a global decline in breastfeeding rates, citing research showing only 38% of parents worldwide breastfeed properly.
“In Rwanda, breastfeeding rates dropped from 87% between 2015 and 2020 to 81% in the last five years,” Batamuriza said. “This calls for increased collaboration and awareness campaigns to encourage proper breastfeeding.”
Parents attending the event said they have learned new information about breastfeeding’s importance and plan to correct previous mistakes.
Jennifer Mukamazimpaka said, “We knew breastfeeding was important for a child’s survival, but we realized we were doing it incorrectly and will now make changes.”
She added that breastfeeding also helps mothers recover quickly after childbirth and reduces postpartum bleeding.
“Exclusively breastfeeding for at least six months without introducing other foods is crucial for a child’s healthy growth,” Mukamazimpaka said.
Juliette Murekatete, deputy mayor of Nyagatare District in charge of social welfare, said the government plans to extend the breastfeeding message beyond the week through community programs.
“We appreciate this initiative aimed at ensuring children have good health and can become responsible citizens,” Murekatete said. “Teaching proper breastfeeding will continue through ongoing family outreach efforts.”
Murekatete also said the government hopes to reduce child malnutrition rates, currently at 26%, to about 15% in the near future.
The breastfeeding awareness week coincides with the 34th International Breastfeeding Awareness Day and was launched nationally in Nyagatare District.
The event was attended by government officials, the National Child Development Agency, and partners involved in child welfare.
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