World Breastfeeding Week 2026: SAPA NETRA Strengthens Visually Impaired Mothers' Right to Breastfeed Independently

In commemoration of World Breastfeeding Week, which runs from August 1 to 7, a new program named SAPA NETRA has been launched in Indonesia to bolster support for breastfeeding mothers, with a specific focus on those with visual impairments. The initiative seeks to ensure that all mothers, regardless of disability, have the support needed to breastfeed their children.

Despite widespread breastfeeding campaigns, inclusive education remains a significant challenge. Much of the available information, such as posters, leaflets, and videos, relies heavily on visual aids, posing difficulties for blind mothers. Furthermore, few healthcare professionals are trained to provide tactile or touch-based breastfeeding guidance. This gap highlights the need for more accessible and tailored support systems.

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Breastfeeding is a basic right for every mother and child that must be protected and supported by the state and society without discrimination. Visual impairment should not limit a mother's right to care for and provide breast milk to her baby independently and with dignity.

Kusmayra Ambarwati, M.Kes, the lead of the SAPA NETRA program, emphasized that visual impairment should not hinder a woman's role as a mother. "Breastfeeding is a basic right for every mother and child that must be protected and supported by the state and society without discrimination," she stated. "Visual impairment should not limit a mother's right to care for and provide breast milk to her baby independently and with dignity."

SAPA NETRA, which stands for Support, Advocacy, and Accessible Education for Blind Mothers in Breastfeeding, operates on three core pillars: support, advocacy, and accessible education. The program establishes a Peer Counselor network, comprised of visually impaired individuals from the Indonesian Association of the Blind (PERTUNI), to offer emotional, psychosocial, and technical guidance. Advocacy efforts focus on ensuring blind mothers receive inclusive and non-discriminatory reproductive health services, in line with Indonesia's Law No. 8 of 2016 on Persons with Disabilities.

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Blind mothers must be empowered, not exploited by inaccurate information or promotion of formula milk without medical indication.