Experts warn of health impacts of sub-optimal breastfeeding

LAHORE: While only 45pc of newborns in Pakistan were put to breast milk within the first hour of life, experts warned health impacts of sub-optimal breastfeeding in Pakistan.

The Institute of Public Health Lahore and Rahnuma Family Planning Association of Pakistan joined hands to organize a Policy Dialogue on promoting Breastfeeding in connection with the World Breastfeeding Week 2026.

The meeting discussed strategies to improve breast feeding as only 45pc of newborns in Pakistan were put to breast milk within the first hour of life, resulting in stunted growth and vulnerability to disease outbreaks.

Moderated by Dean IPH Dr. Saira Azfzal, the event was joined by foreign dignitaries from the UKHSA, Chairman BoG IPH Prof Abdul Majeed Chaudhry, Executive Director Punjab Institute of Neuro Sciences & Principal General Hospital/PGMC Sardar Al Farid, former chairperson BoG Punjab Healthcare Commission Prof Atiya Mubarak, Head of Office WHO Punjab Dr. Jamshaid Ahmed, UNICEF Health Specialist Dr. Quratul Ain Ahmed, former Executive Director Health Services Academy Prof Shakila Zaman, WHO Technical Officer Dr. Irfan Ahmed, DGHS representative Dr. Zubair Hafeez as well as KEMU, Jinnah Hospital, SIMS and Ganga Ram experts including Prof Sobia Qazi, Prof Nadia Khursheed, Prof Munir Akhtar Saleemi and others.

Highlighting this year’s theme “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works,” Project Director GAVI RISE Rahnuma FPAP Sajjad Hafeez said that Rahnuma-FPAP is one of the largest and oldest organizations in Pakistan, renowned for integrated package of mother & child health services, (ANC, safe deliveries PNC, vaccination, nutrition and family planning) at its country-wide network of facilities.

Prof Sardar Al Farid highlighted barriers for mothers especially in office settings and need to designate workplace nursing stations.

WHO representative Dr. Jamshaid elaborated key indicators (Early Initiation of Breastfeeding, Exclusive Breastfeeding and Continued Breastfeeding, highlighting that formula milk must not be marketed aggressively.

UNICEF representative Dr. Quratul Ain highlighted that deliveries in Punjab under skilled birth attendants have improved to around 80pc, yet the breastfeeding figures remain sub optimal. This requires integrating skilled counseling into routine family planning and reproductive health services.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026