Health and Family Welfare Minister Mohammad Nasim said Tuesday 31 per cent newborn deaths can be reduced if mothers ensure breastfeed to her baby within an hour after birth, reports BSS.
"At least 31 per cent child deaths are preventable if mothers suckle their newborns within an hour after the birth and 13 per cent child deaths under the age of five can be prevented if exclusively breastfeed can be ensured," he said.
The minister was addressing a press briefing at the health ministry on the eve of the formal inauguration of World Breastfeeding Week- 2014 with the theme 'Breastfeeding: A Winning Goal for Life.'
The week is being observed across the country from August 1 with the objective to create awareness among people about the beneficial aspects of breastfeeding and Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina is expected to inaugurate the week formally today (Wednesday) at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the city.
On the occasion, health ministry, directorate of family planning, community clinics, Institute of Public Health and Nutrition and Bangladesh Breastfeeding Foundation chalked out elaborate programmes, including processions, rallies, training programmes on nutrition, to create awareness regarding breastfeeding and Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF).
The minister said, "Bangladesh has succeeded in increasing exclusive breastfeeding rates among children below six months, from 43 per cent in 2007 to 64 per cent in 2011, which is an admirable achievement."
He said breast milk has extraordinary advantages and breastfeeding during the first months of life has a direct proven impact on a child's survival and normal growth.
This week is an opportunity to create awareness among the countrymen to inspire the mothers to feed their child with breast milk, said health secretary MM Niazuddin.
Chairman of Bangladesh Breastfeeding Foundation Dr SK Roy, Director of Institute of Public Health and Nutrition (IPHN) Dr M Shah Newaz were also present, among others.
World Breastfeeding Week is observed every year from August 1 to 7 in more than 170 countries to encourage breastfeeding for improving the health of babies.
