English 
Francais 
عربي 
Burkina Faso – exclusive breastfeeding comes up against the obstacle of tradition
In Burkina Faso, breastfeeding is not a given – far from it. In fact, Burkina Faso has one of the lowest rates of exclusive breastfeeding in West Africa, at around only 6%. And yet the practice of breastfeeding is systematically recommended by the World Health Organisation (the WHO). There may be many reasons for this: cultural resistance, lack of information, etc.
Interviews conducted with 1,000 women, fathers and childbirth professionals have shown that exclusive breastfeeding is a practice frowned upon, indeed unthinkable and considered to be alien to Burkina Faso. It’s as simple as that!
Researchers were indeed surprised to discover that some mothers went so as far as to give their infants water mixed with ashes, plants or sugar in the belief that these concoctions would help cure, purify and avert death …
Marcel Bengaly, the biochemist and nutritionist who coordinated the study, believes that breastfeeding is perceived as a luxury reserved for the rich. In fact, the main obstacle to changing breastfeeding practices appears to be a reluctance to abandon tradition. Women recognise the value of their breast milk, but for them the leap from this to breastfeeding only is a step too far.
Print this article
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Send to a friend
Convert to pdf
Copyright Authorization
34 article(s)
Pregnancy – putting an end to morning sickness!
Ways for young mums to keep in shape…
Observing Ramadan while pregnant… a matter for the individual
Enjoy summer with bright, glossy lips!
Advice for enjoying a trouble-free pregnancy…
Smoking brings on earlier menopause
Violence against women – the Council of Europe takes a stand
