RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Breastfeeding Association hosted its second international conference on Sunday in Riyadh, bringing together global lactation medicine specialists and industry experts for the three-day event.
Running from Oct. 5-7, the conference aims to educate the public on breastfeeding practices, emphasizing the health and well-being of mothers and children worldwide.
Experts from across the world are participating in the forum.
“We strive diligently to achieve the targets of Saudi Vision 2030 by reaching 70 percent of breastfeeding mothers, because the right support at the first moment makes a difference that lasts a lifetime, so that we hope this continues with healthier and safer steps,” Dr. Fatima Yousef Al-Juwan, chair of the board of directors and founding member of the Breastfeeding Association, said.
During the opening ceremony of the conference, a video played, highlighting the mission of the association: “Our mission is for every mother to receive the support she deserves and for every child to start their life with the best possible care because supporting the mother is not a secondary option; rather, it is the foundation for long-term health and for the community.”
The association operates on multiple levels, raising public awareness for mothers, offering professional training for health workers, and promoting institutional development for research and financial stability.
In her remarks, Al-Juwan stated that the association also trains mothers to become experts in breastfeeding and provides licensing in breastfeeding mentoring.
“This is a program accredited by the World Health Organization and UNICEF and is applied in countries worldwide. The number of mentors has reached more than 500,” Al-Juwan said.
During her opening remarks, she said: “One of the central focuses of the association is offering training and qualification programs for workers in the health sector and accompanying mothers from pregnancy until weaning with practical and distinguished supportive guidance.”
The initiatives of the association also align with the global sustainable development goals: zero poverty and hunger, good health and well-being, reduced inequalities, and responsible consumption.
The opening ceremony of the conference also featured an awards ceremony celebrating partners and supporters of the association, and it will hold a specialized award ceremony to honor mothers.
The conference welcomed multiple booths offering products focusing on infants and mothers, including Birth Kuwait, Lansinoh, Enaya Health Society, and more.
