KARACHI: Baby milk products are a major risk factor for diarrhea and pneumonia and must not be advertised or their brands promoted in the campaign for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 8 or any other event.

This was stated by the Pakistan Paediatric Association (PPA) in a recent letter to the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

“The use of infant formula milk is a major risk factor for acquiring pneumonia and diarrhea. The promotion of breast milk substitutes (formula milk) for children under the age of one year is also prohibited by the Constitution and the World Health Organization (WHO),” the letter stated. “Therefore, you are requested to ensure that no infant formula or its brand is promoted during the PSL or any other event organised by PCB.”

Dr Syed Jamal Raza, representing PPA, expressed his concern over the situation and expressed regret that PCB had not taken any action yet.

“We wrote the letter over two weeks back. Sadly, however, the board hasn’t shown any concern,” he said, adding that the issue also had financial implications as baby milk products were imported.

According to experts, Pakistan has the highest rates of mortality among children under five years of age. The major killers of our children are pneumonia and diarrhea.

Published in Dawn, February 11th, 2023