Breastfeeding
GMJ News knowledge hub · last reviewed August 2026 · Georgian Medical Journal
SummaryStatisticsGlossaryGMJ newsFAQDocumentsOrganizationsResearch
Breastfeeding is the single most effective health intervention for infants: universal breastfeeding could save approximately 820,000 children's lives a year, while protecting mothers from breast cancer, ovarian cancer and type 2 diabetes (WHO). Yet only 44% of infants under 6 months are exclusively breastfed globally. WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continued breastfeeding with complementary foods until age two; the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative are the key policy tools.
Key messages
820,000 lives
Universal breastfeeding could prevent approximately 820,000 child deaths per year and 20,000 maternal deaths, while saving $300 billion in healthcare costs (Lancet Breastfeeding Series 2016).
WHO recommendation
WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding — no other food or liquid — for the first six months, then continued breastfeeding with complementary foods until age two or beyond.
44% global rate
Only 44% of infants under 6 months are exclusively breastfed globally — far below the WHO 2030 target of 70%.
Maternal benefits
Breastfeeding reduces maternal breast cancer risk by ~15% per 12 months of cumulative lifetime breastfeeding, as well as ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes and postpartum depression.
Formula marketing
Aggressive marketing of breast-milk substitutes undermines breastfeeding globally. The International Code (1981) prohibits marketing to parents — but violations are rampant on digital platforms.
BFHI
The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative implementing Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding substantially increases initiation and duration in accredited facilities. Over 20,000 facilities are BFHI-designated.
Key statistics
Global exclusive breastfeeding rate in infants under 6 months (%) 2000-2023 — WHO/UNICEF
Source: WHO and UNICEF global monitoring. 2030 target of 70% remains far away.
Glossary of key terms
Latest GMJ coverage
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals detected in breast milk and infant urine through 6 months
29/06/2026
Breastfeeding Support Failures Leave New Mothers Traumatized, UK Survey Reveals
01/07/2026
Creatine for Women: Beyond Muscle—Evidence for Brain, Energy, and Long-Term Health
02/08/2026
The B-Vitamin Methylation Triad: How B12, Folate, and B6 Work Together in Cardiovascular and Neurological Health
31/07/2026
Group antenatal care increases attendance and improves outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa, systematic review finds
10/07/2026
One in Four Postpartum Women in Kenya Experience Severe Menstrual Pain, Study Finds
21/06/2026
Frequently asked questions 12 Q&A — structured for Google featured snippets and AI discovery
Knowledge hub: guidelines, conventions and reports
Organizations working in migration and health
Related health topics
Newborn healthNutritionChild healthMaternal healthHIV/AIDSUHC
About this hub. Produced by the GMJ News Editorial Team as a public-good service. Every statistic is linked to its primary source. Documents are preserved in the GMJ Repository with full attribution. Georgian Medical Journal · Contact the editorial team