Breastfeeding can prevent deaths of 37,000 newborns
Says health minister
Breastfeeding within an hour of birth can possibly prevent death of some 37,000 newborns in Bangladesh, Health and Family Welfare Minister Prof Dr AFM Ruhal Haque said yesterday.
He was addressing a function marking the World Breastfeeding Week-2010 at Bangabandhu International Conference Center with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina present as chief guest.
Referring to Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey-2007, Prof Ruhal said every year some 1.20 lakh newborns die in the country within 28 days of their birth. Breastfeeding within an hour of birth could possibly prevent the deaths of some 37,000 newborns.
“The starting of breastfeeding babies within one hour of birth can save lives of some 12 lakh newborns in the world,” he said referring to research reports of Lancet, a globally renowned medical journal.
Describing breastfeeding to babies as the symbol of women's happiness, capability and strength, the Health Minister said only breastfeeding ensures complete healing of mothers with babies' good health and therefore holds utmost importance.
About various baby foods available in the market, Ruhal said attractively packed and advertised baby-food items could easily misguide the parents of the newborns.
“So it's very necessary to create environment and present the right information and concepts about these items,” he said.
Health Adviser to the Prime Minister Prof Syed Modasser Ali and State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr Capt (retd) M Mozibur Rahman Fakir spoke, among others, at the function presided over by Health and Family Welfare Secretary M Humayun Kabir.
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