KARACHI:,,, Baby milk products are major risk factor for diarrhea and pneumonia in Pakistan. The promotion of breastfeeding substitutes is prohibited by World Health Assembly and Constitution of Pakistan. The baby milk products should not be promoted in the campaign for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9 or any other event organisd by PCB.

This was stated by the Executive Committee Members of Pakistan Paediatric Association (PPA) Prof S Jamal Raza President and Secretary General, Dr M Khalid Shafi in a letter to the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), according to a statement issued on Thursday.

In the letter, Prof Raza and Dr Shafi informed that Pakistan had the highest rate of mortality among children under 5 years of age. The major killer of our children is pneumonia and diarrhea. The use of breastfeeding breastmilk subtitutes are a major risk factor for acquiring diarrhea and pneumonia.

“With reference of Sindh Protection and Promotion of Breastfeeding and Young Child Nutrition Bill 2023, the promotion of Child Nutrition substitutes under 36 month of age is prohibited. Cross-promotion of such products is also not allowed,” the pointed out.