Mayabeque, Cuba_ The municipality of San Nicolas, like the rest of the country, will celebrate the World Breastfeeding Week until August 7, in order to promote the importance of this act to ensure the growth, development and survival of children.

According to the advisor of the Maternal and Child Care Program (PAMI) in the locality, Justa Velazco, the Maternal Home and the family doctors' offices will be the main scenarios where pregnant women and their companions will receive information about the need to breastfeed the baby in its first six months of life and then as a complement until two years.

Around 61.9 percent of the infants of this age group in the territory received only the milk of their mothers.

This practice not only stimulates the brain, but also reduces infant mortality and has health benefits that reach adulthood, in addition to promoting the sensory and cognitive development of children.

Scientific evidence shows that breastfeeding plays a key role in confronting non-communicable diseases, and supports inclusive economic growth, as well as the reduction of inequalities.

It is also one of the actions that favors the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, so Cuba focuses on strengthening programs that promote this appropriate practice to provide the newborn with the necessary nutrients.

Breastfed babies have fewer infections and as they grow they show fewer tendencies to develop obesity, diabetes, asthma, allergies, high blood pressure, as well as hyperactivity, cancer and tooth decay. They also have a higher IQ.

Officially set up by the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children's Fund in 1992, the World Breastfeeding Week is a widespread social movement aimed at improving the health of babies around the world.

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