Pakistan's Commitment to Promoting Breastfeeding and Empowering Women

Strategic Insights -

As Pakistan marks World Breastfeeding Week, the Government reaffirms its strong commitment to promoting, protecting, and supporting breastfeeding across the country. Breastfeeding is recognized as a vital investment in Pakistan's future, contributing directly to its national health goals, economic development, and the empowerment of women and girls. The latest National Nutrition Survey shows that only 48 percent of children in Pakistan are exclusively breastfed in the first six months, falling short of the global target of at least 60 percent by 2030. The Government of Pakistan is taking steps to strengthen legislation, including implementation and enforcement of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk substitutes, and recognizing the importance of community-based support through Lady Health Workers, community health workers, and peer counselors.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Government of Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting breastfeeding and empowering women, recognizing its contribution to national health goals, economic development, and women's empowerment.
  • The latest National Nutrition Survey shows that only 48 percent of children in Pakistan are exclusively breastfed in the first six months, falling short of the global target of at least 60 percent by 2030.
  • The Government is taking steps to strengthen legislation, including implementation and enforcement of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk substitutes, to protect breastfeeding practices.
  • Lady Health Workers, community health workers, and peer counselors are essential in promoting breastfeeding practices, especially in areas where health facilities are limited.
  • Workplaces must become more supportive of breastfeeding, providing lactation spaces, breastfeeding breaks, and flexible schedules for mothers returning to work.
  • Breastfeeding is a gender equality issue, highlighting the unequal burden of unpaid care work that women carry and the lack of systems that support their well-being.
  • Policymakers, healthcare providers, employers, media, civil society, and families all have a role to play in creating an enabling environment for every mother to breastfeed.

Statistics:

  • Only 48 percent of children in Pakistan are exclusively breastfed in the first six months (National Nutrition Survey).
  • The global target for exclusive breastfeeding by 2030 is at least 60 percent.
  • Breastfeeding is the first vaccine a child receives, providing essential antibodies and nutrients that protect against infections and chronic diseases.
  • Breastfeeding promotes cognitive development and emotional bonding and significantly reduces the risk of stunting, wasting, and undernutrition.

Sources:

  • Government of Pakistan.
  • Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
  • Press Information Department (PID).
  • International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk substitutes (WHA 2016).