‘Breastfeeding improves immunity in newborn’

MKRMS seminar

LAHORE: Breastfeeding is the best nutrition as it improves immunity and protects newborn against diseases. 

These views were expressed by the speakers at a seminar on “Breastfeeding rules dissemination” jointly organised by Policy and Strategic Planning Unit Punjab (PSPU) and Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman Memorial Society (Jang Group of Newspapers). Population Welfare Minister Begum Zakiya Shahnawaz was the chief guest on the occasion. Primary and Secretary Health Secretary Ali Jan Khan, Population Welfare Secretary Dr Ismat Tahira, Dean Institute of Child Health Children Hospital Prof Masood Sadiq, Chief Operating Officer Punjab Healthcare Commission Dr Ajmal Khan, Prof Shakeela Zaman, representative of UNICEF Dr Tahir Manzoor, member Health P&D Dr Shabana Haider, MS Lady Aitchison Hospital Dr Samina Naseer, Dr Nadeem Zaka, Dr Tahir Manzoor, Dr Fakhar Imam, Dr Rashid and others attended the seminar.

Population Welfare Minister Begum Zakiya Shahnawaz said breastfeeding is a first defence for newborn's health. Mothers should concentrate on it keeping in mind that we should not compromise on the health of children, she said. 

Punjab Primary and Secondary Health Minister Khawaja Imran Nazir said health department will boost awareness and publicity campaign for the completion of immunisation course about children’s health and benefits of breastfeeding, for which all the stakeholders would be taken on board.

“Taking care of children’s health is the prime responsibility of parents, who must benefit from the health facilities provided by the government for ensuring good health of their children,” the minister said while addressing an awareness seminar. 

Secretary Primary and Secretary Health Ali Jan Khan thanked Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman Memorial Society (Jang Group of Newspapers) and sought cooperation of people in promoting the significance of pure food for infants' better health. 

Dr Ajmal Khan said Allah gives command in the Holy Quran for breastfeeding to the newborn; therefore, instead of waiting for any man-made law, we as a Muslim should obey the command of our Creator. He said breastfeeding law would be implemented only when the parents feel their responsibility towards their children.

Secretary Population Welfare Dr Ismat Tahira said she learned a lot from the seminar. Dr Nadeem Zaka said the breastfeeding rate in country is only 10 percent which is alarming. Dr Tahir Manzoor said breastfeeding saves from allergy and other infections. Moreover, formula milk decreases IQ level of babies. Dr Fakhar Imam said canned milk is dangerous for new born babies.

Dr Rashid said information about breastfeeding should be included in syllabus. Dr Mumtaz Hassan said breastfeeding is very necessary for physical and mental health of newborn.  Rubeena Mushtaq, Dr Ayesha Najeeb, Ayesha Jahanzeb, Dr Nasir, Asma Mahmood, Dr Rubina Suhail, Dr Najma Afzal, Dr Samina, Dr Samra, Dr Farhat, Dr Masood Sadiq and Dr Shakeela also addressed on the occasion. They said that for better health of the newborn awareness should be spread among mothers. Dr Sabih demanded that children marriage must be banned.  Senior Editor, Health, Education and Current Affairs Wasif Nagi elaborated breastfeeding is a right of a newborn. It must be promoted.