Breastfeeding and nutrition weeks launched by Myanmar

Myanmar breastfeeding baby, @Edricism

Xinhua reports that the 2011 World Breastfeeding Week and Nutrition Promotion Week was launched by Myanmar Monday. The program is projected to contribute to the health and nutrition conditions of children and women in Myanmar.

Jointly organized by the National Nutrition Center of the Department of Health, international and local NGOs and the United Nations Children’s Fund or UNICEF, four health-related week activities are being observed with world breastfeeding week scheduled in the first week of August.

Xinhua further informs that the second week will be promotion week for children under five while the third week for the nutrition promotion for pregnant and lactating mothers. The fourth week is slated for iodine deficiency disorder or IDD elimination which was first celebrated in September 2003 in Myanmar.

National Nutrition Promotion Month has been held every year in August since 2008.

Breastfeeding is most practical and effective way to check neo-natal mortality. Easily accessible to the new-born right after birth, mother’s milk contains colostrum which provides immunity to the child from diseases aside from the emotional bond developed between the mother and child. Mridula Sinha, the Social welfare department principal secretary has said, “There is a need to provide place and facility to breastfeed.”

Serving 150 countries around the world, UNICEF leads in looking after the well-being of children, working for the protection of children, helping them experience healthier, fuller and richer lives, says Xinhua.