Directorate General Health Services, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Peshawar has issued the official Notification letter on 9th June, 2020 in connection with ban on breast milk formula milk during Covid-19 pandemic.
It is communicated that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Protection and Promotion of Breastfeeding and Child Nutrition Act 2015 calls for ensuring safe and adequate nutrition for infants and young children by promoting and protecting breastfeeding and regulating marketing and promotion of designated products including breastfeeding milk substitutes and feeding bottles, etc.
During the current Pandemic of COVID-19, the Global call emphasizes, “Do not call for, support, accept or distribute donations of BMS (including infant formula), other milk products, complementary foods, and feeding equipment (such as bottles and treats). Do not include purchased or donated supplies in general distributions.”
In the context of COVID pandemic WHO guidelines encourage Mothers with COVID-19 to continue breastfeeding their children by following these practices;
- Practice respiratory hygiene by using mask when near the baby
- Wash hands thoroughly before and after touching the baby
- Routinely clean and disinfect all surfaces around the baby
It is therefore requested to direct/ instruct everyone as part of the response to COVID-19 pandemic to promote and protect breastfeeding and curb the inappropriate use of the BMS/ powdered milk, which is unsafe, expensive, and determined to the health of children.
