Breast Feeding Reduce 19% Child Mortality

01 August,2010

The World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated every year from 1 to 7 of August in 120 countries of the globe. The theme of this year's World Breastfeeding Week is Breastfeeding; only10 steps the way to child health.The Ministry of Public Health is committed to improve the health status of Afghan population, reduce infant and child mortality and morbidity and provides better health services to them.Researches indicated that Breastfeeding reduce 13% child mortality; by complementing other food further 6% reduction in mortality of child is occurred which is totally 19% reduction because of proper nutrition of young children. This is a simple and practical way of reduction in mortality of children said Dr. Suraya Dalil, Acting Minister of health and deputy minister for Policy and Plan.

Dr. Dalil explained the benefits of breast milk for health, growth and development of children and explained that only 35% of Afghan mothers are practicing exclusive breastfeeding. Therefore she called upon parents, families, elders, religious leaders, teachers and media to play an important role in raising awareness of the importance of breastfeeding and contributes in reduction of infant and child mortality in Afghanistan.The country is celebrating the World Breastfeeding Week, while Afghanistan is among few countries with the highest infant and child mortalities. Based on surveys; every 4 minutes one under 12 months and every one hour 22 under five children lose their life in Afghanistan. Breastfeeding can play a critical role in reduction f these preventable deaths.

In the end; Ministry of Public Health appreciates the support and hard work of Directorate General of Preventive Medicine and Primary Health Care, Departments of Public Nutrition and Health Promotion, UNICEF, GAIN, Khalifa Zaid Bin Al-Nahian Foundation, USAID/ BASICS, WFP, WHO, Macronutrient Initiative, World Bank, BPHS implementing NGOs, Private Health sector and individuals who contributed to make this celebration happen, and wish them every success in delivering further services for improvement of the health of Afghan people.