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BSS-46
WEEK-BREASTFEEDING
Breastfeeding Week begins tomorrow
DHAKA, July 31, 2018 (BSS) – The World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) will be
observed across the country as elsewhere in the world from tomorrow 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 will 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 today 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 percent 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.
Newspapers will publish special articles while televisions and radio will
air programmes highlighting the significance of the week.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) supports countries with implementation
and monitoring of the Code and the Comprehensive Implementation Plan on
maternal, infant and young child nutrition to increase the global rate of
exclusive breastfeeding for six months to at least 50 per cent by 2025.
BSS/ASG/DH/RY/1905 hrs