BSS, Rajshahi :
Speakers at a discussion here on Thursday said the effective role of media both print and electronic has become an urgent need for making the campaign for exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) a total success in the greater interest of building a healthy and talented nation.
They viewed there is no alternative to breastfeeding for founding a knowledgeable and sound nation and the media could be the effective means of popularizing the campaign.
Promotion of EBF for the first six months of life has been estimated to be the most effective preventive strategy for saving the lives of young children in low-income families, and can contribute towards the Millennium Development Goal 4 of reducing child mortality.
The observations came at an orientation with print and electronic media titled “Infant and Young Child Feeding and Maternal Nutrition” held at General Public Library in Rajshahi city. Bangladesh Breastfeeding Foundation (BFF) organized the programme in association with various government and non-government organizations.
Local unit president of Family Planning Association of Bangladesh Proshanta Shaha and Life Member of Rajshahi Press Club (RPC) Tazul Islam addressed the inaugural session as chief and special guests respectively with Anwarul Alam Fatik, President of RPC, in the chair.
During their concept paper presentation, BBF Programme Officers Anamul Hassan and Md Sakib narrated various aspects of breastfeeding coupled with role of media towards making its campaign successful.
They said malnutrition is responsible, directly or indirectly for about one third of deaths among children aged under five. Above two thirds of these deaths occur because of inappropriate feeding practices during the first year of life. Breastfeeding is the best way to provide infants with the nutrients they need.
Compared to the urban children, the rural children have been found to be more prone to underdevelopment while the rate of children with stunted growth is the lowest in Rajshahi division.
Referring to various research findings they told the journalists 41 percent of the children aged under five were underdeveloped because of malnutrition. Among them 15.3 percent were found to be severely underdeveloped.
The rate stands 18 percent among the 6 months old while 52 percent children aged from 18-23 months and 42 percent children aged between 48-59 months have been found with stunted growth.
