The Power of Breastfeeding is on Display in Prishtina
11.08.2025
Prishtina, Kosovo – Action for Mothers and Children (AMC) and the Municipality of Prishtina today took an important step to further support mothers in Kosovo who wish to breastfeed but face various challenges, by unveiling a mural that promotes this natural and healthy practice. Both AMC and the Municipality remain committed to informing and empowering women through evidence-based education and continued awareness efforts.
The powerful piece by artist Ermira Murati, known as Orange Girl, features a mother nursing her baby and can be seen at the entrance of the Main Family Medicine Center of Prishtina. Titled “Breastfeeding: love that nourishes, strength that grows!”, the mural was unveiled as part of a project organized by AMC to mark World Breastfeeding Week. World Breastfeeding Week in Kosovo was also celebrated with various activities led by La Leche League Kosova, the Kosovar Organization of Medical Students, and other partners.
“Even though breastfeeding is instinctive, it’s also a learned skill,” said AMC Executive Director Rina Demiri Spahija. “It costs nothing, yet it helps babies grow healthy, strong, and deeply loved. That’s why, as a society, we must support mothers in learning and sustaining this vital process.”
On the occasion of World Breastfeeding Week, the Director of Health, Dr. Izet Sadiku emphasized that the collaboration with Action for Mothers and Children resulted in a joint project—specifically the mural promoting breastfeeding. He also underlined the importance of advancing maternal and child health services, including increasing the number of health professionals in Primary Health Care for Home Visits.
The Mayor of Prishtina, PĂ«rparim Rama, expressed his support for the inauguration and highlighted the importance of breastfeeding for the mental and physical health of both mothers and children, stressing that it is a fundamental pillar for sustainable and healthy well-being.
According to the 2020 MICS Survey, the exclusive breastfeeding rate among infants under six months in Kosovo dropped to 29 percent, down from 40 percent in 2013–14, a decline that highlights the need for renewed awareness and support.
“Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival,” according to the World Health Organization (WHO). “Women who breastfeed also have a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancers.”
Led by the Ministry of Health and supported by UNICEF and the Government of Luxembourg, AMC is working to educate new mothers on the importance of breastfeeding through parenting classes offered under the Group Care for Parenting Project, as well as through the Home Visiting Programme, in which nurses provide regular home visits to families during the first three years of a child’s life.
AMC extends its gratitude to the Directorate of Health, the Directorate of Culture, and the Public Housing Enterprise for supporting this initiative, as well as to artist Ermira Murati, whose dedication and talent brought this mural to life.
