Banjul, The Gambia — The Gambia is strengthening support for mothers and newborns through hospital and community programmes designed to promote early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding.

At Bwiam General Hospital, health workers are supporting mothers to begin breastfeeding soon after delivery, while community initiatives are helping families continue recommended breastfeeding practices after mothers return home. The efforts form part of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) and Baby-Friendly Community Initiative.

Health workers say the first moments after birth are particularly important, with colostrum providing essential nutrition and protection for newborns. Exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months is also being promoted as an important child-health intervention.

The community component is particularly important because mothers often return from health facilities to villages where traditional feeding practices can influence infant nutrition.

The combined hospital-and-community approach is aimed at giving Gambian mothers stronger support from childbirth through the early months of a child's life.

The initiative highlights the growing focus on maternal, newborn and child health as The Gambia works to improve health outcomes through practical interventions and stronger community participation.