Breastfeeding Essential for Child Survival, National Progress: Rubina Khalid

Islamabad: Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme, Senator Rubina Khalid, has emphasized that breastfeeding is crucial for child survival, family well-being, human capital development, and national progress. Addressing a ceremony in Islamabad, she urged mothers to exclusively breastfeed their infants during the first six months of life while advising against the use of formula milk and bottle feeding.

According to Radio Pakistan, Country Representative of UNICEF, Pernille Ironside, praised BISP’s leadership through the Benazir Nashonuma Programme. She stressed that breastfeeding should commence within the first hour after birth, describing a mother’s first milk as a child’s first vaccine.

Deputy Country Director of World Food Programme Pakistan, Thomas Conan, acknowledged the collaboration between WFP and BISP. He highlighted the importance of consistent breastfeeding messages conveyed through community-based interventions.