32 percent of infants in Sudurpaschim deprived of exclusive breastfeeding, complementary feeding remains weak

Dhangadhi: The condition of infant and child nutrition in Sudurpaschim Province remains challenging, with a significant number of infants deprived of exclusive breastfeeding and adequate complementary feeding.

According to the Smart Plus Survey conducted by the Health Directorate, Sudurpaschim Province, only 68.3 percent of infants aged 0-5 months are exclusively breastfed. This indicates that around 32 percent of infants receive water, other milk or additional food along with breast milk before completing six months of age.

The survey shows that the province has a relatively positive situation in early breastfeeding practices. As many as 98.2 percent of children have received breast milk at some point in their lives, while 84.9 percent of infants started breastfeeding within the first hour after birth. Similarly, 79.2 percent of infants received only breast milk during the first two days after birth, and 92.5 percent of children aged 12-23 months continued breastfeeding.

However, the situation of complementary feeding remains weak. Although 89.7 percent of infants aged 6-8 months started complementary food at the appropriate time, only 62.9 percent received minimum dietary diversity and 56.6 percent received the minimum number of meals. The percentage of children receiving the minimum acceptable diet stands at only 37.6 percent.

According to the survey, only 32.8 percent of children consumed egg or meat-based food. Meanwhile, 31.4 percent of children did not consume any fruits or green vegetables. On the other hand, 43.4 percent consumed sugary drinks and 39.3 percent consumed junk food.

The use of milk bottles among children is also significant, with 16.7 percent of children found to be using them. Health experts have warned that improper use of milk bottles can increase the risk of infection and affect effective breastfeeding.

Social misconceptions related to breastfeeding have also been identified as a challenge. Beliefs such as discarding colostrum, assuming that a mother does not have enough milk when a baby cries, or giving water before six months have been described as scientifically unfounded.

The data released on the occasion of World Breastfeeding Week highlights the urgent need to improve exclusive breastfeeding, quality complementary feeding and the creation of a breastfeeding-friendly environment while maintaining the achievements made in early breastfeeding practices in the Far West.