22pc newborn deaths can be prevented by breastfeeding: Experts.

ISLAMABAD -- Health experts on Friday while stressing upon breastfeeding said that an estimated 22 per cent newborn deaths could be prevented if breastfeeding is started within the first hour after birth.

It was highlighted in a dialogue held here in collaboration with the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination.

The session shed light on the challenges and constraints in practicing optimal breastfeeding by mothers in the country.

The interactive discussion featured distinguished guests Ms. Kanwal Shauzab, Member National Assembly of Pakistan and Parliamentary Secretary Planning Development and Reform, Senator Dr. Meher Taj Roghani, and MNHSRC Director Nutrition Dr. Abdul Baseer Khan Achakzai.

The panel shared that breastfeeding reduces maternal and child morbidity and mortality and breastfed children have higher intelligence.

It is evident that breastfeeding is one of the best investments in saving lives and improving the health, social and economic development of individuals and nations.

Breastfeeding is one of the most important public health interventions that we know of. It is perfect, entirely natural, 100 per cent nutritionally balanced and completely cost effective.

Breastfeeding has profound benefits for infants that extend beyond childhood, numerous benefits for mothers and the family. Immediate and exclusive breastfeeding is critical for the achievement of many of the Sustainable Development Goals.

It improves nutrition, prevents child mortality and decreases the risk of non-communicable diseases, and supports cognitive development and education.

Breastfeeding is also an enabler to ending poverty, promoting economic growth and reducing inequalities. All these are global goals under the SDGs that Pakistan has also committed to achieving.

The NNS 2018 data shows that around 4 to 5 out of every 10 mothers in the country initiate...