Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan emphasized that breastfeeding should not be viewed as solely a mother’s responsibility but as a shared societal duty involving families, communities, and workplaces.
He made these remarks at an event marking World Breastfeeding Week 2019, whose theme was “Empower parents, enable breastfeeding: now and for the future.”
Key highlights of the address
1. Breastfeeding as a public health intervention
The Minister described breastfeeding as:
- The most cost-effective intervention for child health
- A “first vaccine” that protects both mother and child
- A measure that reduces infant mortality when initiated early
He noted that:
- Early initiation within one hour of birth reduces neonatal deaths
- Exclusive breastfeeding for six months lowers risks of diarrhoea and pneumonia
2. Government initiatives
He highlighted the government programme:
- MAA (Mothers’ Absolute Affection) Programme
The initiative focuses on:
- Breastfeeding awareness at community and facility levels
- Training healthcare providers for lactation support
- Creating an enabling environment for mothers
3. Awareness and monitoring
The Ministry released a Breastfeeding Report Card based on NFHS-4 data, identifying:
- Best-performing states and districts
- Areas needing improvement
The goal is to:
- Support policymakers
- Encourage healthy competition among states
- Improve infant and maternal health indicators
4. Expanded health outreach
Dr. Harsh Vardhan also linked breastfeeding awareness with other public health efforts, including:
- National Deworming Day programme targeting children aged 1–19 years
- Large-scale deworming coverage across states and institutions
- Efforts to reduce soil-transmitted helminth infections
Overall message
The address stressed that breastfeeding is not just a personal or medical issue but a shared social responsibility, requiring coordinated support from society and sustained government action throughout the year.
