Central Kalimantan Ranked Lowest in Exclusive Breastfeeding Rates for Infants in 2020

The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) reported that the percentage of exclusive breastfeeding for infants under 6 months old in Central Kalimantan (Kalteng) was only 52.98% in 2020. This percentage was the lowest nationally.

Following Kalteng, North Sumatra had a percentage of 53.39%, Bangka Belitung Islands 55.47%, Gorontalo 56.22%, and Maluku 57.19%. Nationally, the percentage of breastfeeding for infants under 6 months old in 2020 was 69.62%. This percentage increased compared to 2019, which was 66.69%.

(Read More: 66.69% of Infants Under 6 Months Received Exclusive Breastfeeding in 2019)

During World Breastfeeding Week, August 1-7, 2020, UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) called on the government and all stakeholders to focus on maintaining and promoting access to services for mothers to continue breastfeeding during the pandemic.

For mothers who are confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients, UNICEF and WHO still encourage mothers to continue breastfeeding during the pandemic without separating the mother from the baby while still paying attention to infection control measures.

According to WHO, to date, there is insufficient data to conclude that COVID-19 can be transmitted vertically from mother to child through breastfeeding. On the other hand, stopping breastfeeding can have significant consequences for the baby.