Blueprint to achieve national exclusive breastfeeding targets by 2030 among Aboriginal Australian women

Abstract

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for six months provides significant health benefits for both mothers and infants, protecting babies from infection, supporting cognitive development, and reducing the risk of obesity and chronic diseases. Additionally, EBF lowers mother's risk of postpartum complications, type 2 diabetes, breast and ovarian cancers. Globally, the prevalence of EBF among infants under six months has reached 48%, nearing the World Health Assembly's 2025 target of 50%. However, the six-month EBF rate for Indigenous mothers in Australia remains low (18.8%), falling significantly below the national target of 50% set for 2025. There are notable disparities across Australian states and territories, with only the Northern Territory (NT) meeting this target. The NT's success is attributed to substantial state-level investment in healthcare for Indigenous Australians, with the highest per capita spending ($11,082 AUD/person/annum) and the highest proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioners (256 per 100,000 population). Additionally, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) have played a vital role in delivering culturally safe, community-led breastfeeding programs, contributing to higher EBF rates. These findings suggest that the NT's approach could serve as a ‘blueprint’ for improving breastfeeding outcomes nationwide. With continued federal support and a comprehensive national policy, achieving the national EBF target for First Nations Peoples by 2030 may be attainable.