By Maher Ahmed - Reporter
MOGADISHU, 2 August 2026 — Somalia has launched new regulations governing the marketing of breast-milk substitutes, the Ministry of Health said Saturday, as the country marked the start of World Breastfeeding Week.
The regulations were signed by the Ministry of Health and Human Services with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners at a ceremony in Mogadishu, according to a joint statement.
The rules align Somalia with international standards and aim to protect breastfeeding, limit inappropriate commercial influence, and help families make informed infant-feeding choices.
The launch coincides with World Breastfeeding Week, observed Aug. 1-7 under the theme "Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works."
Exclusive breastfeeding rates in Somalia remain below recommended levels, the statement said. While 60% of newborns are breastfed within the first hour, only 34% of infants under six months are exclusively breastfed. Continued breastfeeding drops to 49% at one year and 40% at two years.
Related articles
"Breastfeeding is one of the most effective interventions for ensuring children survive, grow and thrive," Health Minister Dr. Ali Haji Adam said, calling the regulations "a historic milestone" in protecting and promoting breastfeeding.
UNICEF Representative to Somalia Sandra Lattouf said the regulations were "a major step towards protecting breastfeeding" and stressed that implementation, monitoring and enforcement would be essential to shield mothers from inappropriate marketing.
WHO Representative to Somalia Dr. Kamil Mohamed said breastfeeding is "one of the most cost-effective interventions for improving maternal and child health" and reaffirmed WHO's commitment to support Somalia in implementing evidence-based policies.
The Ministry of Health, UNICEF and WHO called on government institutions, health professionals, employers, civil society organizations and communities to support the regulations through stronger breastfeeding services, maternity protection and community-based support.