As World Breastfeeding Week (August 1 to 7) approaches, the World Health Organization (WHO) has released a press statement highlighting the positive trend of increased exclusive breastfeeding among infants under 6 months globally. According to WHO, over the past twelve years, the number of exclusively breastfed infants has risen by more than 10 percent, with nearly half (48 percent) of infants worldwide reaping the benefits of this healthy start in life.
“Over the past twelve years the number of infants under 6 months who are exclusively breastfed increased by more than 10 percent globally. Now, almost half (48 percent) of infants worldwide benefit from this excellent start in life”.
Despite this progress, it is essential to consider the significant increase in sales of breast milk substitutes worldwide over the last two decades. While numerous studies have highlighted the advantages of breastfeeding, some researchers argue that the positive effects diminish when socioeconomic factors are taken into account. This has sparked debates about the actual benefits of breastfeeding compared to formula feeding.
Nevertheless, breastfeeding remains the ideal source of nutrients, energy, and immune protection for newborns, offering bioactive components that formula lacks.
In developing countries, factors such as water safety make breast milk the preferred choice, with formula contamination posing a potential risk. However, aggressive marketing tactics by the baby milk industry, coupled with exaggerated claims about formula benefits, have drawn criticism.
WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months and continued breastfeeding with complementary feeding for at least 2 years. Various factors, including marketing influences, maternal employment, personal preferences, and physical challenges, can impact a mother’s decision to breastfeed exclusively.
According to Statista’s data, South Asia and Eastern and Southern Africa lead in exclusive breastfeeding rates, with approximately 60 percent of infants aged 0 to 5 months receiving only breast milk. In contrast, North America and Eastern Europe have lower breastfeeding rates, with Western Europe lacking standardized data collection methods.
Source: Statista
Despite high breastfeeding rates in Asia, China stands out as the largest global market for baby milk and infant formula. By 2024, sales in China are projected to reach nearly $17 billion, surpassing the United States as the second-largest market.
Source: Statista
Similar to other countries, China faces intense baby formula marketing, particularly targeting urban women. The rising middle class in China has contributed to increased formula usage, although per-capita spending remains higher in the U.S.
With a global market value of nearly $54 billion, baby formula remains a lucrative industry. Vietnam and Indonesia are identified as significant markets saturated with formula marketing, with Vietnam standing out for its high per-capita spending on infant formula.
Loading…