Breastfeeding; An integral part of developing strong immunity in children
KARACHI- Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), held a Breastfeeding Promoters Initiatives Program, organized by Nutrition’s Support Program and other health oriented associations.
Provincial Caretaker Minister for Health, Education and Population Welfare Sindh Dr. Saadia Rizvi addressed the audience and stated that, statistically, the rate of breastfeeding is around 37 per cent in the province of Sindh, and this is one of the main reasons behind young children developing severe forms of diarrhea and other childhood diseases, resulting in fatalities.
She also urged the health care providers to appropriately counsel and convince the mothers to opt for breastfeeding, from the very start. Dr. Saadia extended her help and offered complete support from the government for this purpose.
On this occasion, Program Manager, Nutrition Support Program Sindh, Dr. Zahoor Balcoh, briefly discussed the objectives of their program. The event was jointly organized by Pakistan Pediatric Association, Society of Obstetricians, UNICEF, and Nutrition Support Program.
During the first phase of this initiative program, 12 districts of Sindh will be covered, namely, Khairpur, Ghotki, Umerkot, Naushahro Feroze, Sangher and 6 districts of Karachi. All health staff associated with child delivery and supportive care will be duly trained and will also be taught how to counsel and help the mothers who choose to breastfeed.
President, Pakistan Pediatric Association, Sindh, presented a layout for improving the breastfeeding situation in Sindh. He sought the help of media and suggested to upgrade current act and law for infant feeding, according to WHO’s code of 2016, that encourages the placement of ban on milk formulas, for children under 3 years of age.
Vice-President, Society of Obstetricians, Prof Sadia Paul explained the role to be played by the health workers, in order to initiate breastfeeding in mothers. Dr. Mazhar, representative of UNICEF offered their complete support for the betterment of children of Sindh.
Principal, Dow Medical College, Prof Kertar also extended his college’s support to achieve the goal of this program. He also highlighted the role of DUHS in supporting community health programs, all across the city.