TANK: To create awareness among the public regarding the benefits of breastfeeding, an awareness walk was organized to mark the Global Breastfeeding Month.
On this occasion, District Health Officer Tank Dr. Kamran Zakaria and Focal Person for SBC and GBFM, Nutrition Cell DGHS, Abdul Khaliq specially participated.
During the walk, the participants were informed about the aims and objectives of celebrating the Global Breastfeeding Month. The speakers discussed in detail the nutritional importance of breast milk, its role in the mental and physical development of children and its benefits in preventing diseases. They clarified that exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months immediately after birth is very important so that the immune system of children is strong and the mortality rate could be reduced.
Dr. Kamran Zakaria said that the health department is taking steps at all levels to promote breast milk and raising public awareness is their top priority. Abdul Khaliq, citing the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, said that the promotion of breast milk can significantly improve child health indicators in Pakistan.
“We need not only activities but also results, so all the steps taken in the field will be monitored effectively and continuously so that the real impact of this campaign can reach the public” DHO Dr. Kamran Zakaria added.
Health department officers, lady health workers, social figures and citizens participated enthusiastically in the awareness walk. The participants were holding placards and banners related to the importance of breast milk. The event ended with the distribution of awareness materials and a commitment that this campaign will be taken to every household.
After the launch of the campaign, activities will continue at the community, regional, union council and institutional levels across the district regarding the benefits of milk for mothers and children. LHWs, LHEs, EPI Department, Health Department workers, Social and Behaviour Change team and Nutrition members will play a full role in this campaign.
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