Tunisia Celebrates World Breastfeeding Week from November 1 to 7, 2025
Tunisia is observing World Breastfeeding Week from November 1 to 7, 2025. Healthcare facilities and civil society actors are emphasizing that breastfeeding is a right for every child, and the challenges faced by mothers must be overcome to guarantee this right, which offers numerous health and psychological benefits and improves the quality of life.
Office National de la Famille et de la Population (ONFP) Initiative
The Office National de la Famille et de la Population (ONFP) is celebrating this event under the slogan "Together... let's promote breastfeeding," highlighting that breastfeeding protects children from diseases and strengthens their bond with their mothers. The ONFP is calling on mothers, families, and healthcare professionals to support breastfeeding for at least the first six months of a child's life, followed by complementary feeding until the age of two or more, according to a statement.
Association Tunisienne pour la Défense des Droits de l'Enfant (ATDDE) Statement
Moez Cherif, President of the Association Tunisienne pour la Défense des Droits de l'Enfant (ATDDE), stated that breastfeeding is a right for every child and establishes a balanced relationship between the mother and child. He noted that the breastfeeding rate in Tunisia for six months has not exceeded 17% in 2024, compared to around 13% four years ago, considering this a low and insufficient rate, mainly due to several reasons related to the professional and social environment.
Challenges to Breastfeeding in Tunisia
Cherif highlighted that the legal framework encourages artificial feeding, particularly by facilitating the promotion of artificial dairy products. He also stated that "the duration of maternity leave is totally insufficient, which forces several mothers to give up breastfeeding for a longer period." These challenges must be addressed to promote and support breastfeeding in Tunisia.
