Raising breastfeeding awareness

According to a report issued by the department to mark the World Breastfeeding Week, which is observed internationally on August 1, the MoH has been giving top priority to the programmes targeting the development of health services provided for women and children on top of which was spreading the awareness about breastfeeding.

The event, this year, is being held under the slogan 'Breastfeeding in a united world of peace and justice', and aims at utilising globalisation in protecting breastfeeding and availing of modern technologies in raising public awareness on the importance of breastfeeding and complementary nutrition for children.

A number of scientific workshops and lectures on the importance of breastfeeding for both mother and baby, the global strategy on infant and young child feeding, distance lactation management and challenges facing breastfeeding and the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) scientific basis, will be conducted as part of the week.

Brochures and booklets carrying questions from nursing mothers and their answers on the best ways of breastfeeding, will also be available at maternity and children centres and other medical facilities.

Speaking to Khaleej Times on the occasion, Dr Hajir Al Hosani, Director of MCH Department said yesterday that the week also targets adopting preventive measures against violating international agreements about marketing of artificial milk for children.

"Authorities concerned should coordinate their efforts in this regard to protect civil rights and maintain healthy life for everyone", said Dr Hosani.

She underlined the ministry's keenness to promote breastfeeding so as to ensure sound physical, mental and social development of children.

Around 19 hospitals in the UAE have been implementing the breastfeeding BFHI promotion programme launched in 1992, said Dr Hosani, who is also Director of the Primary Health Care in Abu Dhabi.

"Six hospitals including Saqar Hospital of Ras Al Khaimah, Al Baraha Hospital of Dubai, Mafraq Hospital of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain Jimi and Tawam Hospitals and Al Qassimi Hospital in Sharjah, have been accredited by the WHO and the Unicef as BHFI", said Dr Hosani, adding that more than 100 centres of Maternal and Child Heath and and Primary Health Care in the country are also working hard to become BHFI centres.

Quoting a recent study conducted in the UAE on 'Breastfeeding Pattern and Practices', she said that after five years of implementing the programme in the country, breastfeeding rates increased whereby 98.7 per cent of women breast-fed their babies compared to 67.7 per cent in 1992.

Dr Hosani revealed that as the MCH activities target school children, annual celebration of breastfeeding week, will from next year be marked in the country in November instead of August 1 to coincide with beginning of the academic year.