The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised concerns over Pakistan’s low rate of exclusive breastfeeding, warning that it poses significant public health risks and costs the country an estimated US$2.8 billion annually. Only 48.4% of Pakistani infants under six months are exclusively breastfed, far short of the World Health Assembly’s target of 60 percent by 2030.
According to data published by Nutrition International, these low breastfeeding rates lead to over 33,700 preventable child deaths, 6.6 million cases of childhood diarrhoea, and the loss of 2.7 million years of schooling every year in Pakistan. The country also spends more than US$888 million annually on breast milk substitutes, which are considered less healthy for infants.
WHO is urging urgent action, emphasizing that breastfeeding is among the most effective methods to support early childhood health and development. Breast milk acts as an infant’s first vaccine, providing vital protection against diseases such as diarrhoea and pneumonia. The organization highlighted that every dollar invested in breastfeeding promotion can generate US$35 in economic returns.
WHO’s Representative in Pakistan, Dr. Dapeng Luo, stressed the importance of supporting mothers to breastfeed, describing it as an investment in the nation’s health and economic future. He reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to partnering with Pakistan’s government and other groups to promote breastfeeding.
Since early 2024, WHO has provided breastfeeding counselling to over 172,000 mothers in 157 nutrition stabilization centres throughout Pakistan. The organization has also played a key role in initiatives including the Sindh Protection and Promotion of Breast-Feeding and Young Child Nutrition Act, the establishment of lactation support rooms in health centres, the introduction of updated feeding guidelines and training materials, and the roll-out of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative. Over 700 healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, and lady health visitors, have received specialized training as part of these efforts.
Under the global theme “Prioritize breastfeeding: Create sustainable support systems,” WHO and its partners encourage investment in breastfeeding education and support, viewing it as a crucial step toward healthier children and a stronger Pakistan.
