On Tuesday, Raza Hussain Qazi, Director of Advocacy at Save the Children International, emphasized that breastfeeding serves as a great equalizer in society, offering every child a healthy beginning. However, he acknowledged that disparities in breastfeeding practices, influenced by community and family dynamics, remain a significant challenge.
“Save the Children is dedicated to supporting every child through global awareness and action,” Qazi stated during a session hosted by the Ministry of National Health Services, in collaboration with Save the Children International and UNICEF Pakistan. The event aimed to promote breastfeeding practices and discourage the use of breast milk substitutes.
The session drew a diverse audience, including media professionals from print, electronic, and online platforms, public health experts, civil society members, and students. Notable attendees included representatives from UNICEF Pakistan, the Health Services Academy, and Save the Children International.
The event featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive sessions, aligning with this year’s World Breastfeeding Week theme: “Closing the Gap – Breastfeeding Support for All.” The focus was on addressing the critical issue of malnutrition in Pakistan.
Organizers aimed to increase awareness among media professionals about the vital importance of breastfeeding and maternal nutrition. The session also highlighted the need for stricter enforcement of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes to protect breastfeeding practices.
Additionally, the event fostered collaboration among health professionals and media, emphasizing the need to prioritize maternal nutrition interventions. Speakers underscored the role of maternal nutrition and breastfeeding in tackling malnutrition.
Anteneh G. Minas, Chief of Nutrition at UNICEF Pakistan, highlighted the media’s essential role in promoting optimal nutrition behaviors, especially breastfeeding. He urged the media to support and reinforce UNICEF’s advocacy efforts regarding breast-milk substitutes and enforce the Breast-milk Substitutes Acts.
Prof. Dr. Shahzad Ali Khan, Vice Chancellor of the Health Services Academy, stressed that breastfeeding is crucial for both maternal and child health. “At the Health Services Academy, we are committed to promoting breastfeeding to improve health outcomes and contribute to a healthier society,” he said.
The session ended with a call to action for the media to amplify the message of breastfeeding and continue advocating for maternal and child health across the nation.
