The International Lactation Consultant Association urges member states looking for multisectoral action to reduce NCDs to invest in skilled lactation care as a proven strategy to protect and support breastfeeding for NCD prevention.

Breastfed children have a lower risk of obesity, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and malocclusion later in life. There is strong evidence that breastfeeding protects against breast and ovarian cancers in mothers who breastfed; they experience metabolic and hormonal changes that are protective against NCDs.

Investing in skilled lactation care improves breastfeeding rates which is an effective prevention strategy in reducing non-communicable diseases.