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‘Inequities in breastfeeding a challenge’

Our Correspondent
Friday, Aug 16, 2024

Islamabad: Save the Children International director (advocacy) Raza Hussain Qazi on Tuesday said breastfeeding was a great equaliser in society, promising every child a healthy start in life.

He, however, said inequities in breastfeeding, driven by factors such as community and family dynamics, remained a challenge. "Save the Children is committed to providing every child with the necessary support and opportunities through global awareness and action,” Qazi told a session hosted by the Ministry of National Health Services in collaboration with Save the Children International and UNICEF Pakistan for journalists to promote breastfeeding practices and discourage the use of breast milk substitutes.

The event brought together a diverse group of media professionals from print, electronic, and online platforms, along with public health experts, civil society members, students, and people. Notable attendees included representatives from UNICEF Pakistan, the Health Services Academy, and Save the Children International.

The session featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive sessions, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives. Aligned with this year’s World Breastfeeding Week theme of "Closing the Gap – Breastfeeding Support for All," the event focused on addressing the critical issue of malnutrition in Pakistan.

The organisers said the session was meant to raise awareness and deepen understanding among media professionals about the critical importance of breastfeeding and maternal nutrition. It also emphasised the need to strengthen the enforcement of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes, ensuring that protective measures are rigorously upheld.

Additionally, the event fostered collaboration and consensus among stakeholders, including health professionals and media, on prioritising maternal nutrition interventions. The speakers emphasised the key role of maternal nutrition and breastfeeding as key components in addressing malnutrition.

Chief of Nutrition at UNI­CEF Pakistan Anteneh G. Minas emphasised the pivotal role media plays in promoting optimal nutrition behaviours, particularly breastfeeding within communities.

He stated, “Media plays a crucial role in promoting optimal nutrition behaviours, particularly breastfeeding within communities.” He further underscored, “It is essential that the media continues to support and strengthen UNICEF's advocacy efforts concerning breast-milk substitutes, with a focus on enforcing the Breast-milk Substitutes Acts.” Vice Chan­cellor of the Health Services Academy Prof Dr Shahzad Ali Khan said breastfeeding was crucial for a child's health and well-being.

"At the Health Services Academy, we are dedicated to promoting breastfeeding to enhance health outcomes for both mothers and children, ultimately contributing to a healthier society,” he said. The session concluded with a strong call to action for the media to amplify the message of breastfeeding and to continue advocating for maternal and child health nationwide.