KARACHI: The World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Friday only 48.4 percent of infants under six months were exclusively breastfed in Pakistan, a shortfall that is costing the country an estimated $2.8 billion annually due to the negative impact on public health.
Low rates of breastfeeding have serious public health and economic consequences in Pakistan and are linked to more than 33,700 child deaths, 6.6 million diarrhea cases and 2.7 million school years lost every year, according to data from Nutrition International. Families also spend more than $888 million each year on breastmilk substitutes, which are less nutritious and increase the risk of illness in infants.
“Investing in informing and supporting all mothers to prioritize breastfeeding is investing in a healthier Pakistan,” WHO Representative in Pakistan Dr. Dapeng Luo was quoted as saying in a statement, which said the 48.4 percent of infants under six months who are exclusively breastfed in Pakistan was well below the World Health Assembly target of 60 percent by 2030.
“WHO will continue to fully support Pakistan and its partners to promote breastfeeding, which is the safest and best way to protect a baby’s health and, in addition, generates $35 in economic returns for every dollar invested.”
