Nation»
Over 70 pc mothers don’t breastfeed babies
KATHMANDU, AUG 01 -
Over 70 percent of infants under six months of age in the country are not breastfed properly due to the lack of awareness among mothers, according to the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP). The government and the World Health Organization (WHO) standards have it that all infants should be fed exclusively on breast milk for six months of their birth, making the baby immune to a number of illnesses.
“Our statistics show only 30 percent of mothers stick to the six-month exclusive breastfeeding,” said Dr. R. P. Bichha, Chief of the Child Health Division under the Department of Health Services. The global average, according to WHO statistics, is 35 percent.
“Breast milk is ideal for newborns and infants since it is safe, gives the baby the nutrients it needs for healthy development and contains antibodies that help protect it from common childhood illnesses,” said Dr. Bichha. “But, due to the lack of awareness, many women do not breastfeed their babies. Instead, they bottle-feed infants.”
Depriving infants of breast milk is considered one of the main reasons behind malnourishment in children. According to National Demographic Health Survey (NDHS), about 49 percent children under five are stunted and more than 38 percent underweight.
According to the WHO, an infant must be breastfed within one hour of birth. In a normal delivery, the infant must be breastfed within 30 minutes of birth while in scissoring, the infant must be fed within two hours of birth.
Nepal is observing a week-long breastfeeding programme beginning Sunday with the slogan “breastfeeding, just 10 steps, the baby-friendly way”.
According to NDHS, at the district level, Humla has the highest prevalence of stunting with 72 percent children estimated to be short for their age. The Central and Far Western Tarai show a wasting prevalence of around 20 per cent. The highest percentages of underweight are recorded in the Hills of Far and Mid West and Central Tarai.
According to the WHO, malnutrition is responsible for one-third of the 8.8 million deaths annually among children under five worldwide.
FACTs SPEAK VOLUMES
Govt’s internal report says 70 % children are improperly breastfed
WHO standard says children should be exclusively breastfed for six months
49% children under five have stunted growth due to malnutrition
Humla has highest instance of stunted growth in children (72 % )
WHO says 8.8 million children die of malnutrition annually
Posted on: 2010-08-02 08:15
Headlines
Advertisements
