Scotland has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in Europe, but we are working to improve that

Health Minister Susan Deacon

"All children deserve the best possible start in life - whether they live in Harris, Hamilton or Harare," she said.

"We know that breastfeeding and a healthy diet in the early years contributes greatly to that aim.

"Scotland, sadly, has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in Europe but we are working to improve that."

The Scottish Executive's target is to have half the country's mothers breastfeeding their babies for at least six weeks within five years.

"We must change attitudes and practices so that Scotland is a more breastfeeding-friendly place," said Ms Deacon.

Support and information

"We recognise that not all women will choose to breastfeed their babies.

"However, it is important that women are given the necessary support and information to make that choice.

"I am confident that, by working in partnership with the Scottish Breastfeeding Group, the National Breastfeeding Adviser and WHO, women and children in both Scotland and other parts of the world will see real progress in this area in 2001."

Breastfeeding is only part of the strategy being developed by the WHO.

Susan Deacon welcomed the strategy

The organisation chose one developed country and one developing country to test the initiative.

The aims are to improve survival, health, nutrition and growth of infants and young children through better feeding.

It will also guide government policy and action for protecting, promoting and supporting the best feeding practices.

And it will enable mothers, families and carers to make informed choices about the best feeding practices.

Ms Deacon added: "This new initiative will give the Scottish Executive and health professionals across Scotland the opportunity to work with this major international organisation to improve the health and nutrition of women and children, not just in our own country, but also in other parts of the world."