The Institute of Public Health and Nutrition (IPHN) has decided to revitalise around 500 public hospitals as baby-friendly hospitals, more than two decades after an initiative was first made.
Under the initiative, the IPHN, with help from the Bangladesh Breastfeeding Foundation (BBF), is aiming to achieve the target of 100% exclusive breast feeding or feeding the baby only breast milk, as well as achieving more infant and young child feeding, and ensuring the nutritional status of pregnant women.
According to Bangladesh Demographic Health Survey 2011, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding was 64%, while the number was 43% in 2009.
IPHN Director Dr Md Shah Newaz told the Dhaka Tribune that the concept of the baby-friendly hospital initiative has been incorporated at the operational plan of the National Nutrition Program of the Health Population and Nutrition Sector Development Programme (HPNSDP).
Dr SK Roy, chairperson of the BBF, said they have already started activities to revitalise public hospitals, with over 200 public hospitals have already been announced as baby-friendly hospitals and around 1,000 doctors trained.
Dr Roy, however, admitted that they have not conducted any assessment on whether or not the hospitals were working as baby-friendly hospitals.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for up to six months of age, with continued breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary food for up to two years of age or beyond.
The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative was launched by the WHO and Unicef in 1991 as a global effort to implement practices that protect, promote and support breastfeeding.
BBF sources said at that time, around 499 public hospitals were declared as baby-friendly hospitals, but the initiatives were suspended because of fund shortage.
The Health Ministry enacted a breast-milk substitute act last year for protecting children of zero to five years of age. The act calls for complete restriction on advertisement of breast milk substitutes, baby foods, children’s food supplements and its equipment.
World Breastfeeding Week
Like the rest of the world, Bangladesh is going to celebrate the first week of August as World Breastfeeding Week.
Dr Shah Newaz and Dr SK Roy both said they have chalked out extensive programmes to celebrate the week across the country. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is also scheduled to inaugurate a special programme on August 6 at the capital’s Osmani Memorial Auditorium.
Dr Roy told the Dhaka Tribune that the BBF would place a proposal to establish an International Centre for Infant and Young Child Feeding and Maternal Nutrition to ensure health services of the child and mother.
