No alternative to breast milk for children's good health: Health minister

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain today (1 August) said there is no alternative to breast milk for ensuring the good health of children.

He made the remark while addressing the inaugural session of the World Breastfeeding Week 2026 at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in the capital.

World Breastfeeding Week 2026 is being observed from 1 August to 7 August, 2026, with the theme "Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works".

The event was organised with the aim of raising public awareness about breastfeeding. Chaired by Health Secretary Md Quamruzzaman Chowdhury, the function was attended, among others, by Prime Minister's Special Assistant on Health Dr SM Ziauddin Haider, Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services Professor Dr Pravath Chandra Biswas, Additional Secretary (Global Health Division) of the Health Ministry Sheikh Momena Moni, and Director of the Public Health Nutrition Institute Dr Mohammad Yunus Ali.

Stressing the need for increasing awareness about breastfeeding, Sakhawat Husain said the main source of a baby's growth during the first 4-5 months after birth is the mother's breast milk.

He also said it is very important to give colostrum to the baby immediately after delivery, as it is the highest source of protein.

Currently, he said, due to the increase in the number of cesarean sections (C-sections) and lack of awareness, many children are being deprived of colostrum and breast milk.

Referring to measles patients undergoing treatment in hospitals, the Health Minister said children's bodies are becoming weak due to malnutrition.

Many mothers stop breastfeeding their children on the pretext of their own malnutrition, which is completely inappropriate, he said, adding that malnutrition is increasing due to early marriage, lack of awareness and not breastfeeding children.

Criticising the inaction of the Institute of Public Health Nutrition (IPHN) in the past few days, Sakhawat Husain said no effective meeting or seminar has been held in the past year to make the general people aware.

From now on, a programme should be prepared for a year and civil surgeons, deputy commissioners and upazila-level officials should explain the need for breastfeeding and make it mandatory to follow it, the minister said.

"This will make the people of the country aware and help raise the future generation safely. Along with this, the child mortality rate will decrease," he said.

About the use of baby food and alternative milk (formula milk), Sakhawat Husain said there is a law in the country to regulate alternative food to breast milk.

"Home-made balanced food is much more suitable for children than powdered milk available in the market. After six months, a khichuri-like diet made of rice porridge, lentils, potatoes and vegetables is the best food for children," he said.

Addressing mothers, the Health Minister said mothers should not deprive their children of the blessings of breast milk given by Allah in any way.

"When a mother pulls the child to her chest, the baby stops crying immediately in its absolute safety. So, children should be given this natural gift instead of going for artificial alternatives," he said.