Breastfeeding plays a critical role in improving the health and well-being of infants,
especially in low-income countries. The benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six
months of life cannot be overstated, particularly in regions where access to clean water,
sanitation, and healthcare facilities is limited.
In low-income countries, where malnutrition and infectious diseases are prevalent, exclusive
breastfeeding provides a vital source of essential nutrients, antibodies, and immunity that
can help protect infants from a range of illnesses. Breast milk contains all the necessary
vitamins, minerals, and fats needed for optimal growth and development of the baby’s brain
and body. It also serves as a natural source of hydration, reducing the risk of dehydration.
Moreover, exclusive breastfeeding has been shown to have a direct impact on reducing
child mortality rates in low-income countries. Breastfed infants have a lower risk of
developing respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, which are leading causes of morbidity
and mortality in these settings. Breast milk is also protective against diseases such as
pneumonia, diarrhoea, and malnutrition, which are major public health concerns in
resource-limited settings.
In addition to its health benefits, exclusive breastfeeding has economic advantages for low-
income families and communities. Breast milk is readily available, accessible, and affordable,
eliminating the need to spend money.
Promoting exclusive breastfeeding in low-income countries requires comprehensive
strategies involving education and support for lactating mothers, healthcare providers, and
communities. Ensuring access to accurate information, providing counselling, and creating
supportive environments can increase knowledge and acceptance of exclusive breastfeeding
practices. Investing in breastfeeding initiatives is not only a cost-effective intervention but
also a powerful tool for reducing child mortality rates and improving the overall health and
well-being of infants in low-income countries.
Let us all come together and celebrate this Breastfeeding Week-2023 by teaching other
health care workers, mothers, parents, family and the community as a whole about the
advantages of exclusive breastfeeding right from birth till the baby is two years of age.
-Dr. Arun Kumar Neopane
President
Nepal Paediatric Society (NEPAS)
“नेपाल जस्तो न्यून आय भएको देश, विशेष गरी जहाँ सफा पानी, सरसफाइ, र स्वास्थ्य सेवा
सुविधाहरू सीमित भएका क्षेत्रहरूमा शिशुहरूको स्वास्थ्यमा स्तनपानले महत्त्वपूर्ण भूमिका
खेल्छ । त्यसैले बालकको जीवनको पहिलो छ महिनाको लागि पूर्ण स्तनपानको विशेष
फाइदाहरू कुनै पनि हालतमा नकार्न सकिँदैन” ।
-डा. अरुण कुमार न्यौपाने
अध्यक्ष,
नेपाल पेडीयाट्रिक सोसइटी