Breastfeeding a national obligation, not just a mother’s duty: health minister

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Syed Mustafa Kamal has said breastfeeding is not just a personal or maternal responsibility but a national obligation that requires collective action from families, healthcare workers, employers, policymakers, and media.

Terming breastfeeding “a lifeline and a child’s first vaccine”, the minister said promoting breastfeeding was an investment in Pakistan’s health, economy, and gender equality.

In a statement issued in connection with World Breastfeeding Week, the minister expressed concern over the country’s low exclusive breastfeeding rate—only 48 per cent of children in Pakistan are exclusively breastfed in the first six months of life, according to the National Nutrition Survey. This falls short of the global target of 60 per cent by 2030.

“Breastfeeding is a powerful equaliser. It gives every child, regardless of background, the same chance to survive and thrive. Yet, too many mothers remain unsupported due to weak systems, stigma, and aggressive formula milk marketing,” the minister said.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to improving breastfeeding practices through better legislation, including full enforcement of the International Code of Marketing of breast milk substitutes in line with World Health Assembly (WHA) 2016 recommendations.

“We are working to strengthen laws that curb unethical marketing practices which discourage breastfeeding,” he added.

The minister also emphasised the need for workplace support for mothers, calling on public and private institutions to provide breastfeeding breaks, lactation spaces, and flexible work arrangements. “Women must not be forced to choose between feeding their babies and earning a living,” he noted.

Highlighting the role of community health workers and lady health workers, the minister said these frontline workers were key to bridging the gap between facilities and homes, especially in remote areas. “By linking health facilities with home-based care, we can give mothers the confidence and support they need.”

Calling breastfeeding a gender equality issue, he pointed out that women disproportionately bear the burden of unpaid care and lack systems that support informed decisions.

“We must move towards a society where women are supported and empowered to breastfeed if they choose to—and where that choice is protected and respected.”

Urging all sectors of society to play their role, Kamal said breastfeeding must be recognised as a shared responsibility and a national priority. “Let us remember: breastfeeding is more than a feeding method. It is a right, an act of protection, and a building block for a healthier Pakistan.”