Empowering Global Health Systems to Protect, Promote and Support Optimal Breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding is a critical public health strategy for optimal child development and maternal health across the life course. The 2021 Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries and Risk Factors Study reveals that, despite reductions in mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributed to suboptimal breastfeeding practices-namely, non-exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months or early discontinuation within the first 2 years-low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) continue to bear a staggering 50-fold higher burden compared to high-income nations. This inequity signals a pressing global health priority.