Global Breastfeeding Week Advocacy Seminar was held on 22nd August 2017. This seminar was organized by Policy and Strategic Planning Unit, Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department with the support of UNICEF and World Bank and collaboration of Jang Forum
Global Breastfeeding Week is celebrated throughout the world in 140 countries in the first week of August. In Punjab it was celebrated from 15th - 20th August and this meeting was held in this context.
Meeting was chaired by Mr. Ali Jan Khan, Secretary, Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department. The Chief Guest was Dr. Najma Afzal MPA and Ms. Bushra Butt MPA. Among other prominent were Mr. Muhammad Khan Ranjha (PD, PSPU), Dr Nadeem Zaka (APD, PSPU), Dr Akhtar Rashid (Additional Program Director IRMNCH & Nutrition), Dr. Rubina Sohial (SIMS), Dr. Tayyaba Wasim (SIMS), Dr. Shamsa Humayun (SGRH), Dr Irfan Waheed (Children Hospital), Dr. Yaqoob Qazi (Pediatrician). Ms Uzma Khurrum (UNICEF), Dr Saira Khan (PSPU). The participants included representatives from development partners, Gynecologists and pediatricians from District Kasur, Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, Gujranwala, Faisalabad and from Teaching hospitals of Lahore.
The aim of seminar was to give an
- Overview of the global and local breastfeeding trends,
- To explain to people benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and babies
- Orientation of participants on breastfeeding rules and implementation plan.
Welcome address was given by Dr. Nadeem Zaka (APD-T) PSPU, Dr Nasir (IRMNCH & Nutrition) gave an overview of breastfeeding Rules, Role of IRMNCH & Nutrition and implementation plan, Dr. Rubina Sohail gave a presentation on Benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and babies and Kangaroo Mothercare, This was followed by comments of leading Gynecologists, pediatricians and parliamentarians. Mr. Muhammad Khan Ranjha, Program Director PSPU, gave vote of thanks.
Breastfeeding is best for children and all babies should have early initiation of breastfeeding (within 1 hour) of birth, and exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months. This improves the childs immunity and protects from diarrhea and pneumonia and protects mothers from breast cancer and is a natural way of family planning.
Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department has notified Breastfeeding Rules which are now in the implementation phase.