Global breastfeeding scorecard, 2017: Tracking progress for breastfeeding policies and programmes

Overview

WHO and UNICEF have established recommendations for breastfeeding practices. Although every mother decides how to feed her child, this decision is strongly influenced by economic, environmental, social and political factors. The Global Breastfeeding Scorecard analyzes indicators on how countries protect, promote and support breastfeeding through funding or policies.

Worldwide, performance on recommended policies and programmes for breastfeeding is poor. No country is highly compliant on all indicators, illustrating that substantial progress on all fronts is needed. Unfortunately, countries are not adequately protecting, promoting, or supporting breastfeeding.