Somalia, UN agencies sign new regulations to boost breastfeeding rates

Somalia, alongside UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO), officially signed and launched the national Breast-milk Substitutes (BMS) Regulations on Saturday to strictly regulate formula marketing and safeguard child health nationwide.



The regulations, signed during the national kickoff of World Breastfeeding Week 2026, mark a landmark achievement for Somalia and reinforce the country's commitment to protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding.



Ali Haji Adam, Somalia minister for health and human services, said breastfeeding is one of the most effective interventions for ensuring children survive, grow, and thrive.