Half a million Kenyan babies miss lifesaving breastfeeding every year

Half a million babies in Kenya miss exclusive breastfeeding each year, raising risks of preventable diseases and deaths. [iStock]

At least 500,000 babies in Kenya miss out on exclusive breastfeeding each year, putting them at risk of diseases like pneumonia and diarrhoea and contributing to preventable child deaths, health experts say.

Only 61 per cent of newborns are exclusively breastfed for the first six months, falling short of the national target of 70 per cent by 2030, according to the Ministry of Health.

The exclusive breastfeeding rate has remained stagnant for a decade, with a sharp rise in bottle feeding from 22 per cent to 34 per cent threatening progress on child survival.

Women in urban areas are initiating breastfeeding of newborns later after birth as compared to those in rural areas, despite breastfeeding being a vital public health intervention.

Vihiga is leading in initiation of newborns to breastfeeding within one hour after delivery, followed by Elgeyo Marakwet, Kisii, Busia and Tana River.

"We need to address disparities. Children should be breastfed within five minutes of birth, and if mothers fail, let babies be fed within at least one hour after birth to save lives," said Professor Grace Irimu, paediatrician and researcher.

Kilifi County is leading in exclusive breastfeeding, with at least nine out of 10 babies being breastfed. Other counties with high rates include Nyeri, Kiambu and Taita.

However, Nakuru, Kisii and Baringo continue to lag in breastfeeding uptake, health data show.

The Ministry of Health says the low uptake of exclusive breastfeeding is linked to the growing use of breast milk substitutes, which undermine breastfeeding practices and increase the risk of infections and malnutrition in infants.

"Exclusive breastfeeding is the cheapest and most effective intervention to keep babies alive in Kenya, but we are losing ground to substitutes," noted Irimu.

Health officials plan to work with counties to expand community education, urging mothers to initiate breastfeeding within the first hour after birth, a step that can reduce newborn deaths significantly.

At the same time, paediatricians are calling for workplaces to implement baby-friendly policies, including flexible work hours and breastfeeding spaces, to help mothers continue breastfeeding for six months.