The Ministry of Health has revealed plans to push for a law to extend the maternity leave for breastfeeding mothers in the formal sector from three to six months.

While speaking at the breastfeeding week launch at Imperial Royale Hotel, Samalie Namukose, the Commissioner in charge of Nutrition at the Ministry of Health confirmed the development as one of the policies aimed at promoting breastfeeding.

“The increased maternity leave will help the mothers to care for their babies, and will avert the current 13% infant mortality rate,” Namukose said.

She noted that it is high time they extensively honored the gift of breastfeeding because it bonds mothers and babies, but also shapes a healthier and happier future for the child.

The first week of August is celebrated worldwide as “World Breastfeeding Week,” an annual event that brings attention to the significance of breastfeeding for both infants and mothers. This year’s theme is “Nourishing the Bond, Nurturing the Future.”