The Cyprus Turkish Medical Association calls for six months of paid leave for mothers in Northern Cyprus, highlighting the urgent need to support breastfeeding and improve child health outcomes.
Medical Experts in North Cyprus Advocate for Extended Maternity Leave to Support Breastfeeding
In a strong appeal timed with World Breastfeeding Week (August 1–7), the Cyprus Turkish Medical Association (KTTB) has called on Northern Cyprus authorities to adopt six months of paid maternity leave for mothers. The proposed reform aims to support early childhood health by encouraging exclusive breastfeeding during the most critical months of a baby’s development.
Current Law Seen as Inadequate for Infant Care
Ince Fidjen Gülen, a public health expert with KTTB, stated that the current system in the TRNC forces most women to return to work only eight weeks after childbirth. Although legislation allows a two-hour daily breastfeeding break, this provision is considered insufficient for maintaining optimal breastfeeding practices and mother-infant bonding.
Doctors are now pushing for a comprehensive update to the policy, including:
- Six months of fully paid maternity leave
- The option for part-time work with financial support until the child turns two years old
Breastfeeding: A Public Health Investment
Medical professionals emphasize the long-term health benefits of breastfeeding, noting that breast milk provides all essential nutrients and acts as natural protection against infections, obesity, and other early-life illnesses. Breastfeeding also lowers the risk of certain cancers in mothers and strengthens the overall public health system by reducing future healthcare costs.
However, the statistics are concerning:
- Only 44% of newborns in Northern Cyprus receive breast milk within the first hour of birth
- Just 42% of infants under six months are exclusively breastfed
Doctors Call for Urgent Policy Reform
The Cyprus Turkish Medical Association argues that maternity leave is not a luxury, but a necessary investment in the nation’s future. “Mothers need time, space, and support to provide the best care for their children,” Gülen stated. The Association is urging lawmakers to act promptly, stressing that improved breastfeeding support will enhance both individual well-being and national health outcomes. northcyprusinvesting.com, Investra.io