Staff Reporter
A media dialogue on the breastfeeding practices was organised by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) here today. The dialogue, held in collaboration with the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination (MNHSRC), Government of Pakistan, highlighted the benefits of breastfeeding and its current situation in the country. The session highlighted on the challenges, constraints in practicing the optimal breastfeeding by the mothers in the country.
The interactive discussion featured distinguished guests such as Ms. Kanwal Shauzab, Member – National Assembly of Pakistan and Parliamentary Secretary – Planning Development & Reform, Dr. Meher Taj Roghani, Senator for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Dr. Abdul Baseer Khan Achakzai, Director – Nutrition, MNHSRC.
The panel shared that breastfeeding reduces maternal and child morbidity and mortality and breastfed children have higher intelligence. It is evident that breastfeeding is one of the best investments in saving lives and improving the health, social and economic development of individuals and nations and not breastfeeding results in economic losses of about $302 billion annually globally.
Breastfeeding is one of the most important public health interventions that we know of. It’s perfect; entirely natural, 100% nutritionally balanced and completely cost effective.
Breastfeeding has profound benefits for infants that extend beyond childhood, numerous benefits for mothers and benefits for the family. Immediate and exclusive breastfeeding is critical for the achievement of many of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
