Zubair Qureshi
The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination in collaboration with UNICEF Pakistan organized a dialogue on the vital role of maternal nutrition in promoting breastfeeding practices.
The dialogue is titled ‘Empowering Maternal Nutrition: Prioritizing Breastfeeding Promotion and Enforcing the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes.’
The event brought together a diverse group of public health professionals, members of civil society, students, and the general public.
Representatives from UNICEF Pakistan, the Health Services Academy, Save the Children International, the Nutrition Wing of MoNHSR&C, and other key partners, such as Dr. Mehreen Mujtaba from the Nutrition Wing and Muhammad Naeem from Save the Children International were prominent and shared their feedback on the occasion.
Dr. Javed Afridi, National Nutrition Cluster Coordinator at UNICEF Pakistan, emphasized that breastfeeding was one of the most effective means to ensure a child’s survival and healthy development.
UNICEF remains dedicated to promoting breastfeeding and enhancing the well-being of both mother and child. This year, our focus aligns with improving breastfeeding support to address the inequalities prevalent in our society, particularly during emergencies and crises.”
Dr. Mehreen Mujtaba, Director Nutrition Wing, MoNHS&R also addressed the gathering, stating that her concern was maternal amenia that is contributing to an intergenerational cycle of stunting.
Breastfeeding, she said was the optimal way to nourish infants and safeguard their health.
Addressing these issues collectively is crucial for improving our Human Development Index and securing the future prosperity of our country, she concluded.
Muhammad Naeem, Director Program, Quality, Evidence & Impact, Save the Children International Pakistan highlighted the organization’s instrumental role in the enactment of the Protection of Breast-feeding and Child Nutrition Ordinance, 2002.
He emphasized, “The survival and well-being of children are at the core of our mission, which is why we remain dedicated to improving maternal and child health through targeted programs and collaborations with partners like UNICEF. We continue to advocate for stronger government policies to protect and promote breastfeeding.”
The dialogue not only focused on promoting breastfeeding and enforcing the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes but also spotlighted the invaluable perspectives of local women on advancing maternal nutrition. Discussions delved into the challenges in breastfeeding and maternal nutrition, explored strategies to encourage breastfeeding, and highlighted the vital role of local women in promoting maternal and adolescent nutrition within their communities.
This event, focused on advancing maternal nutrition, sought to address the urgent issue of malnutrition in Pakistan by underscoring the critical importance of maternal nutrition and breastfeeding. Aligned with this year’s World Breastfeeding Week theme, “Closing the Gap – Breastfeeding Support for All,” the forum provided a platform for women from various communities to share their experiences and perspectives.
