By Balqis Jazimah Zahari
Photo Fb Sandrea Ng
IPOH: A ‘Perak Breastfeeding Fun Run’ program organised by the Malaysian Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Association (MBfPCA) in collaboration with the Ipoh City Council was held recently in conjunction with Ipoh Low Carbon Day and to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week 2023.
The chairman of the Housing and Local Government Committee, Sandrea Ng Shy Ching said, the fun run program is a good platform to increase public awareness of issues and campaigns according to specific and different themes.
“In order to encourage more mothers to continue breastfeeding as recommended by the WHO, all parties need to play a role in creating an environment that supports this effort.
“The local government in the State of Perak will continue to support this MBfPCA effort,” she said through her Facebook here.
In addition, Sandrea said, apart from organising joint programs to increase public exposure and awareness, PBT can also play a proactive role through urban planning and community development that takes into account the needs of nursing mothers.
“Through gender-responsive budgeting as well, PBT can create municipalities which is more inclusive and attentive to the needs and preferences of different men and women.
“This includes creating more breastfeeding spaces in public places, creating public facilities that are friendly to various groups,” she said.
She added, with commitment and cooperation from all parties, it is hoped that the national target from the Ministry of Health to reach 70 percent for mothers who exclusively breastfeed until the baby is six months old will continue to increase.
