Ms Geraldine Cahill:

As we said at the outset, breastfeeding lays the foundation for good health. The Lancethas estimated that scaling up breastfeeding to a near universal level could prevent 823,000 child deaths per year. By supporting mothers to breastfeed, nearly 50% of diarrhoea episodes and a third of respiratory infections would be avoided. Breastfeeding has been found to reduce the risk of childhood obesity and diabetes. Breastfeeding contributes to delayed return of menstruation and, thereby, to birth spacing. The Lancethas estimated that 20,000 breast cancer deaths could be prevented annually as a result of optimal breastfeeding. The Lancet reported that shorter durations of breastfeeding for children were associated with a 2.6 point loss in intelligence quotient, IQ, scores. We see Cuidiú being a partner in achieving the above goals for the Government and the new plan that will be organised going forward from 2022.