Breastfeeding: Foundation Of Life Fazaia Medical College Celebrates World Breastfeeding Week

In connection with World Breastfeeding Week, Fazaia Medical College, Air University has organized a session about the importance of breast feeding among medical students

ISLAMABAD (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 17th Aug, 2018 ) In connection with World Breastfeeding Week, Fazaia Medical College, Air University has organized a session about the importance of breast feeding among medical students. Aim of the event, which was organized in coordination with UNICEF, was to create awareness regarding breastfeeding among future doctors, so that they can propagate the message to the community through counseling. Dr. Rukhsana Khan, HoD Community Medicine Department, in her welcoming remarks, said that "Every year, countries around the globe celebrate World Breastfeeding Week to promote a good cause," She was of the view that breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to provide children everywhere with the best start to life.

Ms. Melanie Galvin, Chief of Nutrition, UNICEF Pakistan highlighted the importance of breast feeding in upbringing of neonates. According to the UNICEF, breastfeeding is indeed the foundation for life and gives growing children a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to grow and develop to their full potential.

The Q & A Session was chaired by Dr. Baseer Achakzai from Ministry of National Health Services Regulation & Coordination while other panelists included Prof. Dr. Shamsa Rizwan, Ms. Melanie and Dr. Asma Shabbir. The panelists regretted that infants should be breastfeed till two years but unfortunately the rate of bottle feeding is increasing day by day in Pakistan. The statistics indicates Pakistan is having highest bottle feeding rate i.e. 41% as compared to Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. "This is an alarming figure which needs to be controlled," one of the panelists expressed. On the occasion, Medical students of FMC highlighted the misconception and myth regarding breast feeding with a role play. Students also participated through poster competition. The program was ended up in a walk by all participants holding the colorful placards & banners on the importance of breast feeding.