World Breastfeeding Week is marked every year from August 1 to 7.

The United Nations-backed event highlights the importance of breastfeeding in tackling malnutrition and understanding inequality and the challenges mothers face around the world.

According to UNICEF, 48 percent of all newborns globally are exclusively breastfed during the first five months of their lives.

Despite the numerous health benefits for both babies and mothers, breastfeeding is not always an option. In the following infographic series, Al Jazeera looks at why breast milk is important and where breastfeeding is most prevalent.