LARKANA, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 6th Aug, 2026) World Breastfeeding Week-2026 celebrated at Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University Larkana on Thursday.
The event was hosted by (SMBBMU) in collaboration with the Government of Sindh, Department of Health, the International Rescue Committee (IRC), UNICEF, WHO, PPHI, SOGP, MAP, BNBWU, SALU, SZABIST, BBSUTSD, ZU, Khairpur Medical College, GIMS, AAP, SSPA, SIEHS, NHSP, DDF, BSWA, KDA and Greenstar, bringing together key stakeholders to promote breastfeeding and strengthen implementation of the Sindh Protection and Promotion of Breast-Feeding and Young Child Nutrition Act, 2023.
The hybrid seminar, attended by more than 600 participants, highlighted the theme of WBW-2026: “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works!”
Addressing the participants via video link as the Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, Minister for Health and Population Welfare, Government of Sindh, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to improving maternal and child health and emphasized that breastfeeding is one of the most effective investments in the health, nutrition and future of children.
She stressed that protecting and supporting breastfeeding requires collective efforts from government institutions, healthcare providers, educational institutions, employers, communities and families. She appreciated Prof. Dr. Nusrat Shah for organising this important event and urged all stakeholders to work together for the effective implementation of the Sindh Protection and Promotion of Breast-Feeding Act and to strengthen the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nusrat Shah, welcomed the participants and highlighted the university’s commitment to promoting research, education and advocacy for maternal and child health. Dr. Ranomal Lohano, Program Coordinator, International Rescue Committee (IRC), and representatives of collaborating partners, deans and faculty members also shared their perspectives on strengthening breastfeeding support across Sindh.
During the technical sessions, experts from the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF Pakistan, Sindh Social Protection Authority (SSPA), PPHI Sindh and SMBBMU discussed the latest evidence on breastfeeding, the current situation in Sindh, implementation of the Sindh Breastfeeding Act, and practical approaches to improving breastfeeding support through health facilities and communities. Participants also explored the important role of universities, professional associations, civil society organizations and development partners in creating breastfeeding-friendly environments.
The seminar concluded with the adoption of the Larkana Breastfeeding Action Declaration 2026, through which participating institutions pledged to strengthen implementation of the Sindh Breastfeeding Act, improve breastfeeding counselling and support services, promote breastfeeding-friendly workplaces and health facilities, encourage research and innovation, and enhance collaboration to improve maternal and child nutrition across the province.
