Religious scholars need to promote breastfeeding

President Dr Arif Alvi Monday emphasised the role of prayer leaders and media to promote breastfeeding in the society for a healthier future generation by preventing the children from stunting and other communicable diseases.

Addressing an Advocacy Seminar on Protection and Promotion of Breastfeeding here at Aiwan-e-Sadr, the president said breastfeeding was the most cost-effective intervention for children’s better growth, said a statement issued on Monday. .

First Lady Samina Alvi, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health Dr Faisal Sultan, SAPM Dra Sania Nishtar, Parliamentary Secretary on Heath Dr Nosheen Hamid, Country Representative of Unicef Aida Girma-Melaku attended the event besides parliamentarians and women from different walks of life.

Started with recitation of Holy Quran verses teaching the breastfeeding for 24 to 30 months, the seminar also featured a video documentary to highlight the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for at least initial six months and rubbishing some misconceptions.

The president said the frequent messaging in the society on different health issues was essential for what the role of prayer leaders, media and lady health workers was vital as they had a deeper penetration in the society.

Clarifying a misconception about the yellowish colostrum (first form of milk produced immediately after delivery of the newborn), the president said instead of wasting, it must be fed to newborn for it being full of antibodies and nutrients.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 19^th, 2021.