More than 300 women and children in Likoni, Mombasa County, benefited from a health and nutrition outreach during this year’s World Breastfeeding Week, held at the Likoni Sub County Hospital as part of the Mombasa Mother and Baby Fair.
The annual event, observed globally from August 1 to 7, promotes breastfeeding as the healthiest start in life. This year’s theme — “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems” — called on governments, communities, and organisations to create lasting support structures for mothers.
The outreach included handwashing demonstrations, nutrition talks, and cooking sessions for mothers and small traders.
Pwani Oil joined partners such as the Taji Langu Foundation, the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), and the Kenya Professional Nurses Association (KPNA) in organising the activities.
Participants received lessons on hygiene using Detrex soap and cooking demonstrations with Fresh Fri cooking oil. Small-scale traders, including mama mbogas, also received technical and financial support to improve access to healthy food in their communities.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), breastfeeding acts as a baby’s first vaccine, protecting against diseases such as diarrhoea and pneumonia. Kenya’s exclusive breastfeeding rate has risen from 13% in 2003 to 60% in 2022, exceeding the World Health Assembly’s 2025 target of 50%.
Organisers said the initiative aimed to strengthen community health and nutrition awareness, while promoting breastfeeding as a key step in reducing childhood illness and malnutrition.
