ULEMA CONFERENCE ON THE IMPORTANCE OF BREASTFEEDING
COMMUNITY MEDICINE DEPARTMENT
Ulema conference on the importance of breastfeeding was held in Serena Hotel Islamabad on 20th October from 10 am – 1:15 pm in collaboration with Nutrition Wing, MoNHSR&C and UNICEF which was attended by FCPS Residents Dr.Fatima Ali Raza, Dr.Mariam Razzaq, Dr.Asma Anjum and Dr.Sarah Bakhsh from the Department of Community Medicince, FUSH. High level of conference was chaired by the Director of nutrition wing Dr.Baseer Achakzai and was attended by renowned Muslim scholars, stakeholders and public health specialists from all provinces of Pakistan. The conference was held to highlight the role of Ulema’s contribution in promotion of breastfeeding among the community as they deal with greater number of masses during ceremonial and daily prayers. National data on breastfeeding rates collected through MICS among provinces was shared with the Ulemas to share ground reality with them and the importance of their contribution in improving breastfeeding rates in the country especially in emergencies to reduce infant mortality and improve child health in Pakistan. Religious leaders discussed the importance of Breastfeeding in the light of Islam and took pledge on key actions for promotion of breastfeeding.