PHCC emphasises dual benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and children

Doha: Under the slogan, Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All, launched by the Global Breastfeeding Collective to celebrate this year s Wor...

Doha: Under the slogan, “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All,” launched by the Global Breastfeeding Collective to celebrate this year’s World Breastfeeding Week, the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) has spearheaded a campaign to raise community awareness about the vital importance of breastfeeding for both mother and child, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health and Hamad Medical Corporation.

National efforts were united under the supervision of the health sector to support breastfeeding through the implementation of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI). This initiative promotes and supports breastfeeding by incorporating various laws, programmes, and policies that advocate for breastfeeding practices.

Assistant Medical Director for Child and Adolescent Services at PHCC Dr. Sadriya Al Kohji, highlighted the extensive reach of the campaign. It included a live Instagram session designed to explain the importance of breastfeeding and offer guidance on continuing it after childbirth.

Additionally, a television interview further emphasized the critical role of breastfeeding in promoting the health of both the child and the community. To encourage immediate breastfeeding, the PHCC distributed breastfeeding covers to new mothers during postpartum home visits.

PHCC has also established educational booths at all health centres, where brochures in Arabic and English are available. These materials outline the significant benefits of breastfeeding, including its role in protecting against common childhood illnesses and infections.