Nutrition and Food Security Alliance of Namibia

07/08/2026

Throughout this week, we’ve explored why breastfeeding matters, the importance of the International Code, lessons shared by countries across our ESA region and the challenges that still need to be addressed.

We also had a little fun along the way with our breastfeeding trivia.

But our message this week goes beyond awareness.

Protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding is a shared responsibility. Governments, health systems, employers, families, communities and civil society all have a role to play in creating environments where mothers can breastfeed with confidence.

Let’s commit to strengthening what works—not only this week, but every day.

Together, we can help give every child a sustainable start in life.

What action will you take to support breastfeeding in your family, workplace or community beyond World Breastfeeding Week?

06/08/2026

While countries across the region are making important progress, they also highlighted common barriers that continue to affect breastfeeding.

These challenges include limited health system resources, inadequate workplace support for breastfeeding mothers, evolving marketing practices for breast-milk substitutes and unequal access to accurate breastfeeding information and support.

Recognising these barriers is an important step towards addressing them. By working together to strengthen policies, health systems, workplaces and communities, we can create environments where every mother has the opportunity to breastfeed successfully.

💬 Which challenge do you think deserves the greatest attention in your community?

05/08/2026

As part of World Breastfeeding Week, NAFSAN invited members of the Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) Civil Society Network to share their experiences on implementing the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and the actions being taken to protect, promote and support breastfeeding.

We received responses from eight African countries:
🇰🇪 Kenya, 🇱🇸 Lesotho, 🇲🇼 Malawi, 🇲🇿 Mozambique, 🇷🇼 Rwanda, 🇸🇴 Somalia, 🇸🇸 South Sudan and 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe

The response has shown that while countries are at different stages of implementing the International Code, they all share a commitment to creating environments where mothers receive the support they need to breastfeed successfully.

These regional experiences remind us that every country has valuable lessons to share in strengthening breastfeeding support.

Which of these initiatives do you think could make the biggest difference in your community?

Unicef Namibia
Ministry of Health and Social Services-Namibia
DAPP Namibia
Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, Namibia
Scaling Up Nutrition Civil Society Network

04/08/2026

Have you heard of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes?

Adopted by the World Health Assembly in 1981, the Code was developed to protect families from inappropriate marketing practices that may influence infant feeding decisions. Its purpose is not to prohibit infant formula, but to ensure that parents receive accurate, evidence-based information and are not influenced by commercial marketing when making decisions about feeding their babies.

Protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding requires an environment where families can make informed choices based on reliable health information.

Were you familiar with the International Code before today? Let us know in the comments.

03/08/2026

Today, NAFSAN proudly joined the Ministry of Health and Social Services, alongside partners and stakeholders, to officially launch World Breastfeeding Week 2026.

This year’s theme, “Breastfeeding for a sustainable start in life: Strengthen what works,” emphasises that every mother needs support to enable her to her child the healthiest possible start in life.

Throughout the week, we’ll be sharing:

- Why the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes matters.
- Lessons and experiences shared by eight Eastern and Southern African countries.
- A short breastfeeding trivia video.
- A call to action on how we can all help strengthen what works.

Join us throughout the week as we celebrate, learn and advocate for a future where every mother is supported to breastfeed successfully.

Together, we can strengthen what works.

Ministry of Health and Social Services-Namibia
DAPP Namibia
Unicef Namibia

23/07/2026

From 14–16 July 2026, NAFSAN proudly participated in the SUN Civil Society Network (CSN) Youth Engagement Global Onboarding Workshop in Lagos, Nigeria. The global engagement brought together civil society and youth leaders from across the SUN Movement to strengthen collaboration, build capacity, and advance meaningful youth engagement in nutrition advocacy.

One of the key areas of focus was Nutrition Dialogues, equipping participants with the knowledge and practical tools to facilitate inclusive, youth-led conversations that amplify community voices, foster accountability, and inform policies and programmes that improve nutrition outcomes.

The workshop also provided a valuable platform to exchange experiences, learn from diverse country contexts, and build partnerships with advocates committed to creating sustainable and equitable food systems.

As NAFSAN, we look forward to applying the knowledge, networks, and tools gained to strengthen youth-led nutrition advocacy and Nutrition Dialogues in Namibia.

13/07/2026

NAFSAN supported Omaheke region in hosting the Regional Malnutrition Task Force meeting at the Governor’s Office in Gobabis under the leadership of the Chairperson Mrs. E. Kaune.

The meeting brought together representatives from by the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MOHSS), Gobabis Correctional Facility, NAMPOL, Soup Kitchens, the Ministry of Youth and other stakeholders committed to addressing malnutrition in the Omaheke Region.

The meeting reviewed the current malnutrition situation, highlighted ongoing challenges, and discussed collaborative solutions to strengthen prevention, treatment, and community support. Encouragingly, the region has recorded a reduction in malnutrition-related deaths this year, reflecting the positive impact of strengthened case management, increased staffing, improved therapeutic food supplies, community outreach, and the continued support of soup kitchens and partner organisations.

Discussions also focused on the need for sustainable, long-term solutions, including strengthening community gardens, improving food security, expanding nutrition education, supporting vulnerable families, and addressing underlying factors such as poverty, alcohol abuse, child neglect, and gender-based violence.

Together, through collaboration and shared commitment, we can continue working towards a healthier future for every child.

01/07/2026

Last week, NAFSAN brought together government and civil society stakeholders in Otjozondjupa (22–23 June) and Oshikoto (25–26 June) for regional engagements aimed at strengthening collaboration to improve food and nutrition security.

The two-day engagements began with a practical introduction to key nutrition concepts using NAFSAN’s Nutrition for Health (N4H) approach. Participants then explored how nutrition connects to their daily work across different sectors and reflected on ways to strengthen coordination, collaboration, and multi-sectoral action at regional level.

The discussions highlighted that while government institutions and civil society organisations are already working closely together, there are valuable opportunities to further strengthen partnerships, improve coordination mechanisms, and enhance collective impact. The recommendations from these engagements will be shared with the participating regions and the National Food and Nutrition Security Secretariat to support stronger multi-stakeholder coordination across Namibia.

What stood out most throughout both workshops was the commitment, openness, and dedication of participants. Their willingness to learn from one another and work together reflects a shared determination to address malnutrition and improve the wellbeing of communities across the country.

Together, we are building stronger partnerships for better nutrition and healthier futures.

24/06/2026

Proud to see the spotlight shining on an initiative led by our Youth Leaders for Nutrition. Your dedication, passion, and commitment to championing nutrition and food security is truly inspiring

24/06/2026