Breastfeeding Week begins

Desk Report: The World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) began today (August 1) across the country as elsewhere in the world to create mass awareness of the beneficial aspects of breastfeeding.

The theme of this year’s World Breastfeeding Week is “Breastfeeding: Foundation for Life” – recognition of the importance of breastfeeding to a baby’s future.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Mohammed Nasim inaugurate the week at Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in city’s Khamarbari area.

While addressing a press briefing on the occasion at the Health Ministry, State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Zahid Maleque Tuesday said the country has achieved its desired rate in breastfeeding.

According to Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (2014 BDHS), the percentage of breastfeeding in the country has increased by 55 percent, he said.

At least 31 per cent death of children is preventable if mothers suckle their babies within an hour after the birth and 13 percent child deaths under the age of five can be prevented if exclusively breastfeeding can be ensured for them, he said.

Maleque said breast milk has extraordinary advantages and breastfeeding during the initial months of life has a positive impact on a child’s survival and its normal growth.

This week is an opportunity to create awareness among the countrymen to inspire the mothers to feed their children with breast milk, he said.

To mark the week, the Health Ministry, Directorate of Family Planning, community clinics, Institute of Public Health and Nutrition and Bangladesh Breastfeeding Foundation have chalked out elaborate programmes.

President and Prime Minister issued separate messages wishing the success of the week.



risingbd/Dhaka/Aug 1, 2018/Mukul