State-Level Celebration of World Breastfeeding Week Promotes Exclusive Breastfeeding

The practice of exclusive breastfeeding can enhance food safety and curb nutritional problems for babies and young children in the post-pandemic phase.

Deputy Health Minister, Dato’ Dr. Noor Azmi Ghazali said all parties have to play their roles in promoting exclusive breastfeeding continuously.

“It is in line with the theme of the World Breastfeeding Week this year: ‘Step up for Breastfeeding: Educate and Support’.

“The focus of the celebration this year is for various parties such as the government, healthcare system, workplace and community to protect, promote and support the practice of breastfeeding by creating a breastfeeding-friendly environment.

He said so after officiating the state-level celebration of World Breastfeeding Week at AEON Mall Taiping yesterday.

Present were Director of Nutrition from the Ministry of Health, Zalma Abd Razak and State Health Director, Dr Sirajuddin Hashim.

The Ministry of Health has placed various breastfeeding initiatives under the framework of the National Plan of Action for Nutrition of Malaysia (NPANM) such as the establishment of Baby-Friendly Hospital, Baby-Friendly Clinic and breastfeeding support group.

Besides that, the Ministry also facilitates the establishment of a breastfeeding support group at each health facility and conducts training for the members.

Noor Azmi Ghazali stated that several objectives have been outlined, such as to educate the community on their role in supporting breastfeeding especially in the first 1000 days of life.

“To support this practice, close cooperation is vital among the public and private healthcare sectors, support groups, NGOs like BAIDURI, family institutions and other agencies.

“Empowerment actions protecting breastfeeding in all policies are urged such as providing maternity leave, paternity leave and childcare facility at workplace.

Rosli Mansor