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ILOILO – Breastfeeding can decrease child deaths, according to the Department of Health (DOH).
It is important from birth up to the first six months, and should be practiced along with appropriate complementary feeding from six months and beyond, according to Secretary Paulyn Jean Rosell Ubial.
Breastfeeding is an evidence-based lifesaving intervention known to reduce newborn and under-five child deaths, the DOH chief said in a press release.
It also makes sure infants receive the most appropriate nutrition to help them reach optimum growth and development in their first 1,000 days, she said.
Only 24.7 percent of infants reaching six months are being exclusively breastfed, according to the National Nutrition Survey 2015, and this contributes to infant deaths worldwide, the DOH revealed.
The 2012 World Health Assembly Resolution seeks to increase the rate of exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months to at least 50 percent by 2025.
Despite this low rate, the DOH posted a 67-percent accomplishment in initiating breastfeeding during the first hour after birth, according to the 2014 Field Health Service Information System Final Report.
Moreover, the Philippines also achieved a 70-percent rate in carrying out Unang Yakap, or the Essential Newborn Protocol Care, applying interventions within the first hour of the children’s lives, including breastfeeding.
The DOH recently observed the annual Breastfeeding and Family Planning Summit with the theme, “Breastfeeding and Family Planning: Keys to Sustainable Development.” (PIA/PN)
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