Health Ministry Promotes Breastfeeding During World Breastfeeding Week

Marking World Breastfeeding Week, the Ministry of Public Health’s deputy minister for health services said breastfeeding plays a vital role in building a healthy society and emphasized that maternal and child health remains one of the ministry’s top priorities.

Abdul Wali Haqqani added that breastfeeding plays a significant role in preventing infectious diseases and strengthening the immune system.

“The Ministry of Public Health continues its efforts to improve maternal and child health services, strengthen vaccination programs, expand nutrition initiatives, and increase public health awareness,” Haqqani said.

Hekmatullah Masoomi, director of public nutrition at the ministry, said: “Exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of a child’s life reduces under-five child mortality by 13 percent. After six months, complementary feeding alongside breastfeeding plays an important role in children’s mental development.”

Meanwhile, Haidar Khan Haidar, director general of preventive medicine at the Ministry of Public Health, said breastfeeding can also help reduce cancer among mothers.

“If a mother breastfeeds her baby in the first hours after birth, it helps prevent postpartum bleeding. In addition, breastfeeding can reduce the risk of serious diseases among mothers, including breast cancer, which is becoming increasingly common,” he said.

Representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) also attended the event, expressing concern over the challenges facing mothers in Afghanistan and the growing problem of malnutrition among mothers and children, while reaffirming their support.

Mohammad Amin Amin, UNICEF representative, said: “Although Afghanistan has made progress over the past two decades in reducing child stunting, one in every two children still suffers from inadequate nutrition due to poverty. Many children receive only two or fewer types of food each day, which negatively affects their physical growth, mental development, and future.”

Abdul Qadir Qadir, WHO representative, said: “Despite the benefits of breastfeeding, many mothers face serious challenges that hinder successful breastfeeding. These include limited access to professional counseling, social misconceptions, and insufficient support from families and communities.”

World Breastfeeding Week was established in 1992 by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA). It is observed annually from August 1 to 7 to promote breastfeeding, raise public awareness, and support the health of mothers and infants.