On July 21, 2026, the Council of Ministers of Cyprus approved a new national policy aimed at increasing the initiation and duration of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers. This initiative aligns Cyprus with the international code for the marketing of breast-milk substitutes and the ten steps for successful breastfeeding promoted by the World Health Organization and UNICEF.

The policy introduces several mandatory standards, including a requirement that at least 80% of healthcare professionals providing care to mothers and infants must have received specialized training within the last five years. Furthermore, the directive prohibits the distribution of free samples and the promotion of breast-milk substitutes. A core component of this initiative is the implementation of the "Baby-Friendly Hospital" designation across all maternity wards and neonatal care units, extending support from the delivery room through to community-based care.

These measures are designed to create a more supportive environment for nursing mothers throughout their journey, from birth until discharge and beyond, by fostering the creation of communities that facilitate breastfeeding. The government's decision represents a comprehensive effort to standardize care and promote maternal and infant health outcomes across the country.