UNICEF Country Representative Nafisa Binte Shafique disclosed the figure on Monday during a presser to mark World Breastfeeding Week 2026 at the National Nutrition Agency, NaNA, conference hall.
The global campaign runs from August 1 to 7, and throughout August in The Gambia under the theme “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.”
Ms. Shafique said the achievement reflects the commitment of the Government of The Gambia, NaNA, the Ministry of Health, healthcare workers, development partners, civil society, and communities.
However, she noted that only 36% of newborns are breastfed within the first hour of birth.
“We must strengthen awareness and ensure that mothers receive immediate and practical support after delivery,” she urged.
She highlighted key legal protections, including the Women’s Act 2010 and the Labour Act 2023, which provide six months of paid maternity leave, daily nursing breaks, and ten days of paid paternity leave.
“No mother should have to choose between earning a living and giving her child the nourishment, care and protection needed to survive and thrive,” she said.
The UNICEF Representative also cited the Breastfeeding Promotion Regulations 2006, which protect families from inappropriate marketing of breastmilk substitutes.
She reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting the Ministry of Health and NaNA through the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, the Baby-Friendly Community Initiative, and workplace policies for breastfeeding mothers.
Earlier, NaNA Director General Alhagie Malang N. Fofana said this year’s campaign will evaluate the impact of breastfeeding on nutrition, food security, and poverty reduction. He added that efforts will focus on strengthening health systems and proven interventions.
Dr. Rohey Njie, Deputy Director of Health Promotion and Education at the Ministry of Health, also underscored the Ministry’s commitment to optimal Infant and Young Child Feeding practices.
She said the Ministry continues to strengthen the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative to ensure early initiation of breastfeeding, build capacity of health workers in breastfeeding counseling, and promote six months of exclusive breastfeeding and continued breastfeeding up to two years and beyond.
