This archive report was first published on 6 August 2020.
On the occasion of Breastfeeding Week, health officials have reassured new mothers that they can breastfeed their babies even if they have Covid-19, as long as they follow certain guidelines.
According to Dr. Rashid Aman, Chief Administrative Secretary of the Ministry of Health, the risk of transmitting the virus to newborns through breast milk or during delivery is extremely low.
Dr. Aman cited the example of HIV/AIDS, where the risk of transmission is also low, and emphasized that newborns who contract the virus are likely to experience only mild symptoms and recover quickly.
However, he warned that pre-term and newborns with underlying conditions may be at a higher risk of severe illness if they contract the virus.
Dr. Aman advised mothers to take simple precautions to minimize the risk of transmission, including washing their hands with soap and water or using a sanitizer with at least 70% alcohol content before touching their baby.
He also recommended that mothers wear a mask or use a cloth to cover their face when breastfeeding, and wash their hands before expressing milk or handling pump or bottle parts.
Dr. Aman emphasized that the Ministry of Health is advocating for breastfeeding as a public health intervention during the pandemic, as it can help save lives and prevent infections in children.
According to Yaron Wolman, Chief of Health at Unicef, breast milk is the most nutritious food for a baby, with components that can easily fight infections.
