Health experts have called for stronger policy measures, improved workplace support and enhanced counselling services to increase breastfeeding rates in Pakistan, warning that sub-optimal breastfeeding continues to pose serious risks to child health and development.

The recommendations were made during a policy dialogue jointly organized by the Institute of Public Health (IPH), Lahore, and Rahnuma Family Planning Association of Pakistan (Rahnuma FPAP) to mark World Breastfeeding Week 2026, observed globally from August 1 to 7 under the theme “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.”

Moderated by IPH Dean Dr. Saira Afzal, the dialogue brought together senior public health experts, policymakers, representatives of international health organizations, academia and medical institutions to discuss practical strategies for improving breastfeeding practices across Pakistan.

Participants expressed concern that only 45 per cent of newborns in Pakistan are breastfed within the first hour of birth, a critical period that significantly influences infant survival, nutrition and immunity. Experts warned that delayed breastfeeding contributes to malnutrition, stunted growth and increased susceptibility to infectious diseases.

Among those attending were Chairman Board of Governors IPH Prof. Abdul Majeed Chaudhry, Executive Director Punjab Institute of Neurosciences and Principal PGMI/General Hospital Prof. Sardar Al-Fareed, WHO Punjab Head of Office Dr. Jamshaid Ahmed, UNICEF Health Specialist Dr. Quratul Ain Ahmed, former Health Services Academy Executive Director Prof. Shakila Zaman, WHO Technical Officer Dr. Irfan Ahmed, DGHS representative Dr. Zubair Hafeez, along with faculty members from King Edward Medical University, Services Institute of Medical Sciences, Jinnah Hospital and Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.

Speaking on the occasion, Sajjad Hafeez, Project Director GAVI RISE at Rahnuma FPAP, appreciated IPH for partnering in promoting maternal and child health. He said Rahnuma FPAP continues to provide integrated healthcare services, including antenatal and postnatal care, safe deliveries, immunization, nutrition and family planning through its nationwide network.

Prof. Sardar Al-Fareed emphasized the need for breastfeeding-friendly workplaces, urging both public and private institutions to establish dedicated nursing rooms and provide greater support to working mothers.

WHO representative Dr. Jamshaid Ahmed highlighted the importance of early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continued breastfeeding thereafter, while stressing the need to discourage aggressive marketing of infant formula products.

UNICEF Health Specialist Dr. Quratul Ain Ahmed noted that although nearly 80 per cent of deliveries in Punjab are now conducted by skilled birth attendants, breastfeeding indicators remain below desired levels. She stressed the importance of integrating breastfeeding counselling into routine maternal, newborn and reproductive healthcare services to improve outcomes.

The dialogue concluded with a consensus that coordinated policy interventions, stronger health systems, workplace support and sustained public awareness campaigns are essential to improve breastfeeding practices and ensure a healthier start to life for every child in Pakistan.