DLP Report
PESHAWAR
Advisor to Chief Minister for Health Ihtisham Ali attended as the Chief Guest at a high-level seminar organized by the Medical Emergency Resilience Foundation (MERF) to mark Breastfeeding Awareness Month.
The event was held here in a local hotel, titled “Invest in Breastfeeding, Invest in the Future” and aimed to highlight the vital role of breastfeeding in maternal and child health, a handout said.
In his keynote address, Mr. Ihtisham Ali emphasized that breastfeeding is not only a biological necessity but also a fundamental investment in the health, nutrition, and cognitive development of future generations. He reiterated the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s commitment to supporting policies and programs that promote exclusive breastfeeding, strengthen maternal health services, and create supportive environments for mothers.
The seminar brought together distinguished panelists, including Dr. Fazal Majeed (Director Nutrition, KP), Prof. Dr. Fawad Haider Khan (Religious Scholar), Dr. Bawar Shah (President Pakistan Pediatric Association), Dr. Samreen (Gynecologist, MERF), Dr. Maqsood Ali (PHA Representative), and Dr. Inammullah (UNICEF). Panel discussions and an interactive Q&A session provided valuable insights into the medical, social, and public health perspectives of breastfeeding.
Mr. Ihtisham Ali appreciated MERF’s efforts in organizing such a meaningful platform for dialogue and awareness. He called for collective action from government, healthcare professionals, civil society, and development partners to promote breastfeeding practices and safeguard the health and well-being of mothers and children across the province.
