80pc mothers advised to use formula milk by healthcare professionals: survey

ISLAMABAD: Over 80 percent of women who give Breast Milk Substitute (BMS) or formula milk to their children immediately after birth say they were advised to do so by healthcare professionals or hospital staff, public health experts revealed on Wednesday.

“More than 80 percent of mothers in a survey reported being advised by healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, or paramedical staff, to use formula milk instead of breastfeeding. The remaining 20 percent were influenced by their relatives, who had received similar advice,” said Prof. Shahzad Ali Khan, Vice Chancellor of the Health Services Academy (HSA), during a ‘National Nutritional Policy Dialogue with Parliamentarians’ held at a local hotel.

The dialogue was organized by organizations advocating for breastfeeding, including Save the Children, in collaboration with the Nutrition Wing of the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, UNICEF, World Health Organization (WHO), World Food Programme, HSA, Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), and others.

Several women parliamentarians, including Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change Romina Khurshid Alam, Sehar Kamran, Asia Naz Tanoli, Shahida Rehmani, Shaista Jadoon, and Rana Ansar, attended the dialogue. They pledged to support legislation to enforce the BMS Code, which prohibits advertising and other forms of promotion of infant formula, breast milk substitutes, feeding bottles, and teats.

In his keynote address, Prof. Shahzad Ali Khan alleged that some healthcare professionals are involved in unethical practices, receiving commissions from formula milk companies for recommending breast milk substitutes.

“Research indicates that infants fed on formula milk instead of breast milk have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and mental health issues later in life,” Prof. Khan noted.

“Breast milk is considered the gold standard for infant nutrition because of its unique composition and health benefits, which include bioactive components such as antibodies, enzymes, hormones, and growth factors that are not present in formula milk. They play a crucial role in the development of the infant’s immune system, metabolism, and organ development, potentially reducing the risk of future diseases,” he added. Prof. Khan highlighted that breastfeeding provides essential fatty acids like DHA and EPA, which support brain development, and boost cardiovascular health and positive metabolic programming. They may help reduce the risks of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mental health issues later in life compared to formula feeding.

Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, emphasized the critical role of breastfeeding in maternal and child nutrition. Alam called for integrating climate resilience into national nutrition programmes to address the impacts of climate change on maternal nutrition and food security.

She also highlighted government efforts to improve maternity policies and promote family-friendly workplace practices.

Anteneh G. Minas, Chief of Nutrition at UNICEF Pakistan, stressed that breastfeeding is vital for child survival, development, and immunity, acting as a natural vaccine and providing essential nutrients. He expressed concern over Pakistan’s low breastfeeding rates and highlighted recent challenges, including violations of the BMS Act and conflicts of interest in provincial nutrition boards, which undermine breastfeeding efforts. Anteneh called for legislative action, the promotion of baby-friendly hospital initiatives, and increased investment in breastfeeding support programmes to overcome the triple burden of malnutrition, reduce child mortality, and address the economic losses associated with inadequate breastfeeding.

He commended the Sindh government’s leadership in passing the 2023 Breastfeeding and Child Nutrition Act and urged other provinces to follow suit. Earlier in his welcome address, Muhammad Naeem from Save the Children International Pakistan reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to children’s health and survival.

“Our mission prioritizes the health of children, which is why we are dedicated to enhancing maternal and child health through targeted programs and strategic partnerships with government bodies and organizations like UNICEF,” he added.