Breastfeeding Seminar 2023
Post-Event Report: Comprehensive Awareness and Advocacy Seminar on the Importance of Breastfeeding
The Awareness and Advocacy Seminar on the Importance of Breastfeeding took place on August 9, 2023, at the Ramada Hotel in Islamabad. Organized by the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination (MNH&SRC), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, the seminar aimed to promote breastfeeding awareness and advocacy, with a focus on working parents.
The event brought together a diverse group of attendees, including healthcare professionals such as Dr. Sarah Bakhsh and Dr. Mariam Razzaq, PGTs from the Department of Community Medicine, FUMC, academics, policymakers, and lactation consultants. The seminar's objectives were to raise awareness about breastfeeding's importance for infant health and maternal well-being, dispel myths with evidence-based information, create a supportive environment for families, and emphasize the role of supportive policies for working parents.
The seminar featured an opening speech by Dr. Khwaja Masood, National Coordinator of Nutrition, who discussed child nutritional status in Pakistan and the need for dedicated spaces for working mothers. A panel discussion followed, with experts such as Dr. Syeda Batool Mazhar, Dr. Maqbool Hussain, and Dr. Zunaiara Khan addressing breastfeeding's benefits, challenges, and strategies for support.
Significantly, the event highlighted recent government legislation, including the Maternity and Paternity Leave Act enacted on June 20, 2023. This law ensures maternity and paternity leave for employees in public and private establishments under federal control, aligning with the seminar's theme and supporting breastfeeding in workplaces.
In conclusion, the seminar effectively achieved its goals of raising awareness, providing evidence-based information, and fostering a supportive environment for breastfeeding mothers and working parents. The collaboration between MNH&SRC, WHO, UNICEF, and experts contributed to its success, with the event's alignment with recent legislation showcasing a positive step toward promoting breastfeeding practices in Pakistan.
