National Religious Scholars Declare Breastfeeding as Fundamental Right of Every Child

Prominent religious leaders and health experts on Wednesday emphasized that breastfeeding is a fundamental right of every child, providing essential antibodies and protection from various diseases.

At a national interfaith dialogue held in Islamabad by the Nutrition Wing of the Ministry of National Health Services (NHS, R&C), the participants highlighted the superior benefits of breastfeeding over formula milk, urging the public to discourage formula use to prevent malnutrition and child mortality.

Dr. Atta-ur-Rehman, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, called upon religious scholars to raise awareness about the Islamic obligation to breastfeed for two years, noting its critical role in a child’s development. He stressed the need for cooperation between religious and health institutions to educate the masses on this matter.

Dr. Shahzad Ali Khan, Vice-Chancellor of Health Services Academy (HSA), praised Pakistan’s family structure and emphasized the irreplaceable value of breastfeeding in promoting maternal and child health. He criticized the aggressive marketing of formula milk substitutes.

UNICEF Pakistan’s Chief of Nutrition, Anteneh Girma Minas, revealed that malnutrition contributes to over 50% of child deaths in Pakistan and urged stronger enforcement of the Breast Milk Substitute Act. Religious leaders present echoed the importance of breastfeeding, calling it both a religious and ethical duty.

The dialogue concluded with calls for better legislation and support for breastfeeding mothers.