World Breastfeeding Week 2026
No alternative to breast milk for children: Health minister
Photo: Agamir Somoy
Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain said there is no alternative to breast milk for the good health of children.
He made these remarks as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of World Breastfeeding Week 2026 held at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka on Saturday.
The event was organized to raise awareness about increasing breastfeeding under the theme, “Breastfeeding at the Start of Life: Accelerating Sustainable Initiatives.”
Sakhawat added, “Allah has created breast milk as the best protein in the world. Breast milk is the primary source of growth for a child during the first four to five months. Providing the child with colostrum immediately after birth is extremely urgent as it is the highest reservoir of protein.”
He noted that all religions, including the Holy Quran, advocate for breastfeeding for a specific period.
However, Sakhawat observed that many children are being deprived of colostrum and breast milk due to the rise in C-sections and a lack of awareness. He said, “In the past, people’s lifestyles were very simple, but their love and care for children were authentic. In educated and wealthy societies, care for children is largely absent.”
Referring to measles patients undergoing treatment in hospitals, Sakhawat added that children’s bodies are becoming weak due to malnutrition. Many mothers stop breastfeeding their children by citing their own malnutrition as an excuse, which he called entirely improper.
He noted that malnutrition is increasing due to early marriage, lack of awareness, and the failure to breastfeed children.
Criticizing the past inactivity of the Institute of Public Health Nutrition, Sakhawat said no effective meetings or seminars were held in the last year to raise awareness among the common people in villages.
He added, “From now on, a year-long program must be created to visit at least one district every month. Civil surgeons, deputy commissioners, and upazila-level officials must be brought to an auditorium to explain the necessity of breastfeeding and make its practice mandatory.”
Sakhawat believes this will make the country’s people aware and help build a safe future generation while reducing the child mortality rate. Regarding baby food and milk alternatives, he mentioned that laws exist in the country to control breast milk substitutes.
Homemade balanced food is far more suitable for babies than the preservative and medicine-mixed powdered milk available in the market. Sakhawat suggested that after six months, khichuri-type meals made with broken rice, lentils, potatoes, and vegetables are the best food for children.
