World Breastfeeding Week: SAPA NETRA Supports Visually Impaired Mothers

CANTIKA.COM, Jakarta - World Breastfeeding Week, commemorated every August 1-7, serves as a reminder that every mother is entitled to support in breastfeeding her child, including mothers with disabilities. However, for visually impaired women in Indonesia, the breastfeeding process is still confronted with complex challenges, ranging from limited access to information to the scarcity of disability-friendly educational media.In response to these needs, the Respati University of Indonesia (URINDO), in collaboration with the Indonesian Blind Union (PERTUNI), launched the SAPA NETRA program (Support, Advocacy, and Accessible Education for Visually Impaired Mothers in Breastfeeding) on Friday, July 31, 2026. The program's launch coincided with the lead-up to World Breastfeeding Week 2026, which promotes strengthening breastfeeding support systems for sustainable benefits throughout society.Breastfeeding Is Every Mother's RightDespite the increasing campaign for breastfeeding, access to inclusive education remains a challenge. Most information about breastfeeding techniques in healthcare facilities is still conveyed through visual media such as posters, leaflets, or videos. This condition makes it difficult for visually impaired mothers to obtain comprehensive information, especially since there are still few healthcare workers skilled in providing tactile-based breastfeeding guidance.The Chief Executive of the SAPA NETRA Implementation Team, Kusmayra Ambarwati, M.Kes, emphasized that visual impairments should not be a barrier for women to fulfill their role as mothers."Breastfeeding is the fundamental right of every mother and child, which must be protected and supported by the state and society without discrimination. Visual impairments should not limit a mother's right to care for and provide breast milk to her baby independently and with dignity," she said in a press release on Friday, July 31, 2026.According to her, SAPA NETRA aims to transform barriers to access to information into a community-based empowerment movement through peer counseling systems. "Visually impaired mothers must be empowered, not deceived by inaccurate information or unnecessary promotion of formula milk without medical indication," she added.Introducing More Inclusive Breastfeeding EducationThe SAPA NETRA program is built on the three main pillars of support, advocacy, and accessible education. Through the support pillar, the program develops Peer Counselors, counselors who are visually impaired themselves from the local branches of the Indonesian Blind Union. The presence of peer counselors is expected to provide emotional, psychosocial support, as well as technical guidance on the breastfeeding process.Meanwhile, the advocacy aspect focuses on ensuring that visually impaired mothers obtain rights to inclusive and non-discriminatory reproductive healthcare services, in line with the mandate of Law Number 8 of 2016 concerning Persons with Disabilities.The accessible education pillar is realized through the provision of various learning media tailored to the needs of visually impaired individuals. The materials are available in the form of digital audio modules, Braille guidebooks, and tactile counseling kits consisting of breast anatomy models and breastfeeding attachment techniques that can be learned through touch.Strengthening Support Networks Throughout World Breastfeeding WeekThe launch of SAPA NETRA was attended by the Rector of Respati University of Indonesia, campus leadership, representatives of the Indonesian Blind Union, as well as pediatric specialists and lactation consultants dr. Utami Roesli, IBCLC, FABM, Sp.A.This program will be implemented using a hybrid method, consisting of two online sessions and one offline workshop scheduled to take place on August 8, 2026 in Jakarta.Through the Training of Trainers (ToT) scheme, PERTUNI members who have received training will subsequently assist visually impaired mothers in their respective areas. This approach is expected to create a cascading effect, leading to more mothers receiving sustained breastfeeding support.In addition to boosting the confidence of visually impaired mothers in providing breast milk, this program is also expected to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in improving maternal and child health and efforts to prevent stunting from the early stages of life.World Breastfeeding Week is not just about encouraging mothers to provide exclusive breastfeeding, but also ensuring that every woman has an equal opportunity to obtain information, support, and healthcare services tailored to her needs.The presence of SAPA NETRA serves as a reminder that an inclusive breastfeeding support system is an essential part of efforts to improve the quality of maternal and child health in Indonesia. When access is made more equal, more mothers can breastfeed confidently, independently, and with dignity.ECKA PRAMITARead: Breastfeeding Myths Lead Mothers to Stop Too Early, Experts SayClick here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News