Child Breastfeeding Workshop Report Workshop Introduction

 

The Child Breastfeeding Workshop held on 27-28 July 2025 at Barako Hotel, Hargeisa, Somaliland, brought together diverse stakeholders committed to improving child health and nutrition. The workshop provided a platform for government ministries, health workers, civil society organizations, and international partners to discuss challenges, share best practices, and formulate strategies to promote exclusive breastfeeding and child nutrition. Emphasizing adherence to international child rights standards, the workshop aimed to strengthen collaborative efforts towards nurturing healthier generations in Somaliland.

Participating Organizations and Stakeholders

– Ministry of Health
– Ministry of Religion
– Ministry of Social and Family Affairs
– Somaliland National Human Rights Commission
– Hargeisa District Health Workers (Mother’s Health Care Centers – MCHs)
– Individual Mothers’ Organizations
– Somaliland Civil Society Organizations (Mama Care Women Organization, Environment Protection Organizations – EPO)
Workshop Overview

The workshop brought together diverse stakeholders to discuss and address challenges related to child breastfeeding. Participants engaged in thorough discussions on constraints faced in promoting and supporting breastfeeding practices. The group reviewed and submitted compliance reports with international child rights standards, including:

– UNICEF Child Rights Convention
– Somaliland Child Regulations (approved by the Somaliland Parliament)

Workshop Objectives

– To assess the current status and challenges of child breastfeeding in Somaliland.
– To review and ensure compliance with international child rights laws, including UNICEF’s Child Rights Convention and Somaliland’s national child regulations.
– To facilitate dialogue among stakeholders on effective strategies for promoting exclusive breastfeeding.
– To establish a regional breastfeeding committee responsible for guiding and monitoring breastfeeding initiatives.
– To foster collaboration among government agencies, civil society, and international organizations for sustainable child health programs.
Aims and Goals

Aims:
To enhance awareness, support, and implementation of effective breastfeeding practices that align with international standards, ensuring improved child health outcomes in Somaliland.

Goals:
– Increase exclusive breastfeeding rates among infants under six months.
– Strengthen policies and regulations supporting child nutrition and breastfeeding.
– Establish a sustainable regional breastfeeding oversight body.
– Promote community awareness and engagement on the importance of breastfeeding.
– Foster partnerships among local and international organizations to support breastfeeding initiatives.

Vision and Mission

Vision:
A healthier Somaliland where every child benefits from optimal nutrition and breastfeeding practices, ensuring lifelong well-being and development.
Mission:
To promote and sustain exclusive breastfeeding through collaborative efforts, policy enforcement, community engagement, and adherence to international and national child rights standards.

Methodologies

– Interactive Discussions: Facilitated dialogues among participants to identify challenges and solutions.
– Presentations: Expert-led sessions on international child rights laws, breastfeeding best practices, and policy frameworks.
– Group Work and Breakout Sessions: Small groups discussed specific constraints and proposed actionable strategies.
– Stakeholder Engagement: Involvement of government officials, civil society, health workers, and international partners for comprehensive perspectives.
– Policy Review and Submission: Evaluation of existing regulations with recommendations for improvements.
– Election and Formation: Selection of a regional breastfeeding committee to oversee ongoing efforts.

Workshop Outcomes:

– Formation of a Regional Breastfeeding Committee (RBC):
The group elected a regional breastfeeding committee to oversee efforts for the next two years at both regional and national levels.

– Collaborative Work Plan:
The RBC is tasked with working closely with the Horn of Africa Community Empowerment Organization (HACE), the Ministry of Health, and other UN and international organizations to promote child breastfeeding initiatives across the region.

This workshop marks a significant step towards improving child health and nutrition standards in Somaliland through collaborative efforts and adherence to international and national regulations.

Implementing and Funding Organizations
Implementing Organization:
– Horn of Africa Community Empowerment Organization (HACE)
HACE will play a central role in coordinating the activities of the regional breastfeeding committee, facilitating capacity-building programs, and ensuring the effective implementation of breastfeeding initiatives across Somaliland and the broader Horn of Africa region.
Funding Organization:
– Horn of Africa Community Empowerment Organization (HACE)
HACE will also serve as the primary funding body, mobilizing resources and partnerships necessary to support the sustainable development and execution of breastfeeding promotion programs, in collaboration with national government agencies and international partners.