By Asim Shahzad
LAHORE: To mark World Breastfeeding Week 2026, UNICEF Pakistan, in collaboration with the Department of Health Punjab, hosted a high level Provincial Advocacy Event in Lahore today.
The conference brought together senior government officials, healthcare experts, policy makers, academia and development partners to emphasize the imperative need for supporting breastfeeding practices to improve child health, nutrition, and overall survival rates across Punjab.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Ramiz Behbudov, Chief of UNICEF Field Office Lahore, reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting the Government of Punjab in prioritizing maternal and child health and nutrition. He highlighted that expanding support for mothers at home, in healthcare facilities, and in workplace environments is critical to ensuring every child gets the optimal start in life through optimal breastfeeding practices.
Speaking as the Chief Guest, Primary and Secondary Healthcare Minister Khawaja Imran Nazir emphasized the provincial government’s resolve to enforce legislative measures and strengthen awareness programs. He noted that breastfeeding is a fundamental child right that provides lifelong health benefits, preventing early childhood illnesses and reducing malnutrition.
The event was also addressed by Additional Secretary Health Mr. Abdul Razaq and Member Health (Planning & Development Board) Mr. Shaafat, both of whom underlined the need for cross sectoral collaboration, sustainable financing, and multi departmental support to build a conducive environment for nursing mothers.
Leading medical and public health perspectives were shared by Professor Dr. Junaid from the University of Child Health Sciences (UCHS), alongside Ms. Najma Ayub and Mr. Muhammad Salman from UNICEF Pakistan. The speakers underscored the clinical and socio economic evidence behind exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, followed by nutritionally adequate complementary foods alongside continued breastfeeding up to two years of age or beyond.
The event concluded with an Independence day cake cutting ceremony and a shared pledge among all key stakeholders to scale up community level awareness, strengthen hospital practices (including the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative), and strict enforcement of the Protection of Breastfeeding and Child Nutrition Acts across the province.
