World Breastfeeding Week Scientific Conference, Angola 2017

Theme: “Breastfeeding, It takes all of us”

A number of activities organised by Nestle Nutrition Institute Africa took place in Angola earlier this year to mark the annual Breastfeeding Week. These included scientific symposia in Luanda and Lubango Provinces. There were two roundtable discussions on Breastfeeding at Graça Hospital and Lobito Maternity in Catumbela  and  Lobito Municipalities respectively.

The first symposium was held on 4 August at Alvalade Hotel in Luanda province with a total of 206 healthcare professionals (HCPs) attending. The symposium panel featured renowned Neonatologist and main speaker Dr Elisa Gaspar, assisted by Dr Evalina Candumba (Nutritionist) and Dr Lilian Aragao (Paediatrician).

The theme for this year’s Breastfeeding Week was “Breastfeeding, It takes all of us”. This theme was addressed by Dr Elisa Gaspar’s focus on the role that family, employers and society plays in supporting the success of breastfeeding. Other topics included “The role of breastfeeding in the first 1 000 days” by Dr Lilian Aragao as well as “Probiotics in human milk” by Dr Evalina Candumba.

Attendees to this symposium included HCPs from different healthcare institutions across the capital city of Luanda. Some of the key objectives met included raising awareness and advocating for breastfeeding and reinforcing Nestlé’s commitment and support of the WHO recommendation, “Breastmilk is Best”.

The event in Luanda was covered by Angola Public TV - TPA, Gazeta Radio and Health Newspaper.

The second symposium took place on 4 August at Irene Neto Maternity conference room in Lubango Province, with a total of 80 HCPs from different healthcare institutions attending. Our NNIA partners were Dr Dulcineia, a clinical psychologist at Irene Neto Maternity who presented the central theme “BF, It takes all of us”, and Dr Eteanete, a teacher at Mitcha Nurses school, who discussed “Breastmilk (features and benefits): Child & Mum”.

The success of the event was covered by Angola Públic Television (TPA), Rádio Huíla and Angop newspaper, who provided provincial coverage.

The first roundtable on breastfeeding was held on 7 August at Graça Hospital, Catumbela Municipality in collaboration with clinical psychologist Dr Julio Brito, who discussed “Breastfeeding, it takes all of us” and Dr Maria das Dores, obstetrical nurse and Public Health Supervisor – Breast Milk.

Completing the planned activities, the second and final roundtable discussion was held on 9 August  at Lobito Maternity, Lobito Municipality, in collaboration with clinical psychologist Dr Sara Siria discussing “BF, it takes all of us” and Dr Domingos Chingula, Maternal and Infant Assistance – Nutrition Supervisor – BM.

A total of 80 HCPs attended each of the roundtable discussions that were covered by TPA and Rádio Mais media houses.

Event in Luanda Province

Prof Bernardino giving his contribution on the topic

Participants during the symposium