LOWER DIR: Experts at a seminar stressed the importance of mothers regularly breastfeeding their newborns for at least two years, as breastfeeding protected them from various infectious diseases.

The local health department in collaboration with the Unicef and World Food Programme organised a seminar for religious scholars, media persons and community leaders at Timergara the other day to create public awareness regarding the importance of breastfeeding.

District Health Officer (DHO) Dr Mohammad Nisar, Unicef’s Divisional Coordinator Ahmad Ali, social activist Izharul Haq Durrani, Maulana Hameedullah, Maulana Abdul Basir and others spoke on the occasion.

The speakers urged prayer leaders and media representatives to play an active role in raising public awareness about breastfeeding.

They emphasised that two years of breastfeeding was vital for infants’ physical and mental health. The experts stated that nothing could replace breastfeeding.

They also insisted that mothers should maintain a balanced diet for the health of their children. Later, the participants took part in an awareness walk in the city.

Meanwhile, speaking to local journalists, the district health officer stated that the installation of biometric attendance for staff at all 72 health facilities in the district had been completed. The DHO added that there was no room for ghost employees, and strict action would be taken against staff members who were habitually absent.

AIOU’s OFFICIAL: Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) Regional Director Shahid Orakzai assumed charge of his duties in Timergara. The office staff, AIOU coordinators, and tutors warmly welcomed him upon his arrival at the office.

Speaking on the occasion, Shahid Orakzai stated that AIOU would make every effort to register as many students as possible.

He assured that the AIOU staff would not only register students but would also provide guidance and counselling to them.

Published in Dawn, December 21st, 2024