Dhaka: Breast milk is essential for babies' nutrition, as there is no alternative that ensures proper growth and development. Today's children are the future of tomorrow, and for a promising future, each child must be raised with care and a balanced diet from birth.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, after birth, a child desperately needs mother's breast milk for proper nutrition. However, in modern times, many women are unable to breastfeed due to work commitments, leading them to rely on canned or packet milk. Salma Akhter, an officer in a private office, feeds her five-month-old son powdered milk, misled by marketing claims that it is suitable from birth.
Confusion from advertisements leads many parents to choose alternative baby food, which cannot ensure proper nutrition and may result in malnutrition and decreased immunity in babies. Despite laws banning the promotion of such alternatives, companies and sellers continue to market these products without following guidelines.
The 'Sale and Marketing of Breast Milk Alternative Baby Food' law, meant to protect child health, remains largely unpublicized. Consequently, shopkeepers and parents remain unaware of its implications, leading to the continued sale and purchase of alternative baby foods.
Medical professionals emphasize that breast milk is the best nutrition source for children up to two years old. Powdered milk alternatives can harm children's health, reducing their immunity and hindering physical development. Dr. Helal Uddin Ahmed stresses that while all nutritious food aids mental development, only breast milk is crucial for children under two years old.
Dr. Ahmed highlights that the 'Breast Milk Substitutes (Marketing Guidelines) Act' was enacted to control the marketing of alternative foods. Although Bangladesh Breast Feeding Foundation (BBF) and the government oversee these marketing activities, awareness remains limited.
Former BBF Chairperson SK Roy notes the challenge of ensuring breastfeeding for the country's approximately six million two-year-olds annually. He highlights that promotion and awareness activities depend on resources, with government efforts to increase allocations.
BBF and the Public Health Nutrition Institute are preparing a five-year strategy to enhance promotion and awareness, aiming to ensure that every child receives the benefits of breast milk.