Bashir Hussain Azad
CHITRAL: The Nutrition Programme of the Lower Chitral Health Department, in collaboration with UNICEF, organized a seminar and awareness walk to highlight the importance of breastfeeding for the health and development of children.
The awareness walk was attended by Coordinator EPI, Coordinator Nashonuma and other health officials. District Health Officer (DHO) Lower Chitral Dr Shamim led the event.
Addressing the seminar, LHW Coordinator Dr Irshad said the main objective of World Breastfeeding Month, observed in August, is to promote breastfeeding and discourage the unnecessary use of formula and bottled milk.
He outlined three key recommendations for healthy child development. He said newborns should be given colostrum within the first hour after birth. Infants should then be exclusively breastfed for the first six months without being given water or other foods.
After six months, breastfeeding should continue alongside appropriate complementary foods until the child reaches two years of age.
Focal Person GBMF Muhammad Farid also briefed participants on the importance of breastfeeding and the objectives of the awareness campaign.
A large number of health officials and workers participated in the seminar and awareness walk.