Hello Mary, 

You raise a great topic that a lot of  sector practitioners don't often look at. I only personally came cross the term ''Baby WASH'' much later in my career and I thought it was quite interesting, and of course it speaks very strongly to your topic on this notable commemoration. I am pretty sure a focus on Baby WASH in programming does a lot in reducing the high child mortality rate within developing countries arising from preventable sanitation related diseases like diarrhoea. See below some additional links I found from organisations that have some focus on Baby WASH:

WORLD BANK: blogs.worldbank.org/en/water/baby-wash-s...nitation-and-hygiene
UNICEF: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.unicef.org/esa/media/7076/file/UNICEF-ESA-Baby-WASH-Programming-2020.pdf 
WORLD VISION: www.wvi.org/cleanwater/babywash
BBC Media Action: www.bbc.com/mediaaction/where-we-work/africa/ethiopia/babywash 

Do you know what activities Zambia does to commemorate the Breastfeeding week?

Regards,
Chaiwe

World Breastfeeding Week 2024: Integrating Nutrition, WASH, and Interventions[img]blob:https://forum.susana.org/0f657a8c-e2e3-4c02-8bbb-5bbd59ac9f90[/img] 

World Breastfeeding Week (1st to 7th August 2024) serves as a powerful reminder of the critical role breastfeeding plays in the survival, health, and wellbeing of both mothers and infants. This year’s theme, "Enabling Breastfeeding: Making a Difference for Working Parents," highlights the importance of creating supportive environments for breastfeeding, especially within the workplace.

Breastfeeding is not only a fundamental practice for infant nutrition but also a protective measure against various diseases. It provides essential nutrients, bolsters immunity, and helps prevent illnesses such as diarrhoea and pneumonia. For mothers, breastfeeding can aid in post-pregnancy weight management and lower the risk of breast cancer. Despite these benefits, Zambia faces challenges in achieving optimal breastfeeding rates, with only 70% of infants under six months being exclusively breastfed, falling short of the 80% target needed to address stunting.

WASH, A Crucial Component in Supporting Breastfeeding: Proper water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) are integral to effective breastfeeding practices. Here’s how WASH interventions can enhance breastfeeding efforts:

• Hand Hygiene: Educate mothers about the importance of handwashing with soap, particularly before breastfeeding and after handling diapers. Proper hand hygiene prevents the spread of infections and protects both the mother and infant.
• Access to Clean Water: Ensure availability of clean drinking water for both general use and preparation of infant formula when necessary. Unsafe water can lead to infections and undermine the benefits of breastfeeding.
• Sanitation Facilities: Improve access to clean and private sanitation facilities in workplaces and public spaces. Adequate facilities support breastfeeding mothers by offering a hygienic and comfortable environment.
• Community Education: Engage communities in discussions about the interplay between breastfeeding and WASH. Raise awareness about how proper sanitation and hygiene contribute to healthier breastfeeding practices.
• Support Services: Establish breastfeeding support centres that provide both nutritional guidance and information on maintaining good hygiene practices. These centres can offer valuable resources and support for new mothers.
• Policy Advocacy: Advocate for policies that integrate nutrition and WASH sectors. This includes promoting maternity leave, breastfeeding breaks, and improved sanitation facilities to support breastfeeding mothers effectively. 

Addressing Challenges in Zambia: Zambia has made strides in improving maternity leave, extending it from 12 to 14 weeks under the Employment Code Act No. 3 of 2019. However, gaps remain, particularly in ensuring that all employers provide necessary nursing breaks and facilities. Women in the informal economy face additional challenges due to limited access to maternity entitlements. To achieve the target of 80% exclusive breastfeeding and reduce child stunting, efforts must be intensified to address these gaps. Personal Hygiene Tips for Breastfeeding Mothers. Maintaining personal hygiene is essential for both mother and baby:

• Hand Washing: Wash hands frequently, especially before breastfeeding and after handling diapers. This helps prevent the spread of germs.
• Breast Care: Clean nipples with water and avoid soap. Apply a small amount of breast milk to nipples after breastfeeding and let it air dry. Change breast pads frequently and opt for breathable fabrics.
• Avoid Plastic-Backed Pads: Use breast pads without plastic backs to reduce irritation. 

The World Breastfeeding Week 2024 is an opportunity to reinforce the connection between breastfeeding, nutrition, and WASH. By integrating these aspects into public health interventions, we can create a supportive environment that enhances breastfeeding practices, reduces malnutrition, and prevents waterborne diseases. It is essential to continue advocating for better policies, community support, and infrastructure to ensure a healthier start for all infants and support for breastfeeding mothers.

References:- Community & Public Health 2024- Nutrition Education and Communication Unit, National Food and Nutrition Commission 2023- UNICEF Zambia Website- Millar, K. (2014). Maternal Health, Breastfeeding, and WASH. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health