Between a fun run, medical advice, and awareness-raising on Universal Health Coverage (UHC), this mobilization, supported by UNICEF, calls for a collective commitment to child health.
On August 9, 2026, the Southwest Region of Cameroon officially launched the events marking the celebration of World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) 2026. Led by the Regional Delegate of Public Health, Dr. Filbert Eko Eko, this major event took place under the global theme: « Infant feeding for a sustainable start to life: strengthening what works. » The day was structured around several key activities combining health promotion, institutional advocacy, community education, and direct support for families.
A mobilizing fun run and public awareness campaign
The activities began early with a fun run through the main streets of Buea. This citizen gathering brought together administrative authorities, development partners, medical personnel, community health workers, civil society organizations, and numerous members of the public. Beyond promoting healthy lifestyles, this walk provided an ideal platform to distribute information, education, and communication (IEC) materials and raise awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding. On this occasion, nutrition experts from the Regional Delegation gave interviews to the media to reiterate the absolute necessity of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by appropriate complementary feeding.
Strong institutional advocacy for a supportive environment
The official launch ceremony, held at the Integrated Health Center (IHC) in Buea Town, was presided over by Ms. Mukete, the personal representative of the Governor of the Southwest Region, in the presence of the Mayor of Buea, regional delegates, religious leaders, and health professionals. In her opening remarks, Ms. Mukete made a passionate appeal to families, communities, employers, and institutions to create supportive environments
that enable mothers to breastfeed successfully, emphasizing that breastfeeding support is a fundamental shared responsibility for the health of society.
Medical advice, techniques, and myth debunking
Speaking next, Dr. Filbert Eko Eko reaffirmed that breast milk is the ideal and unparalleled source of nutrition for infants. The regional delegate urged mothers to breastfeed on demand and to allow the baby to completely empty one breast before offering the other, thus ensuring the absorption of essential nutrients and the richer hindmilk. He also spelled out local misconceptions and prejudices, stressing that every child deserves the best possible start in life.
Universal health coverage, demonstrations, and recognition
The event included an educational session on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and health vouchers/insurance, enabling women to access maternal and neonatal care at an affordable cost. Following interactive discussions, healthcare workers from the Integrated Health Center (CSI) conducted practical demonstrations on proper breastfeeding positions. The celebration concluded with the presentation of gifts to breastfeeding mothers in recognition of their commitment, followed by a group photo. The delegation warmly thanked the Governor of the Southwest Region for his leadership and UNICEF for its ongoing technical and financial support.
