Cyprus’ new three-year strategy for the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding was adopted on Tuesday by the cabinet to create a society with a friendly disposition towards infants and their mothers when it comes to feeding in public places.

The proposal was tabled by the health ministry “to support the mother, so that she can provide food, love and health to her child.”

When breastfeeding is encouraged and protected, then societies, economies and public health work better to the benefit of the whole, health minister Michalis Damianos said.

The health ministry, in cooperation with the national committee for breastfeeding, drafted a comprehensive national strategy to promote training programmes and awareness campaigns on the importance of breastfeeding.

Damianos said the strategy included legislative and other actions aimed at creating a friendly environment within health services, workplaces and public areas.

The strategy includes 25 actions divided into three parts; policies to promote breastfeeding, information and training, and research.