Villar: Breastfeeding Campaign Should Be Intensified
Breastfeeding is a 'Vital Emergency Response'

Nacionalista Party President Senator Manny Villar supports the celebration of the World Breastfeeding Week with this year's theme, 'Vital Emergency Response'. He expressed disappointment that the number of breastfeeding mothers in the country is still not as high as in other countries or as it should be. According to Villar, "The UNICEF in its statement of support to breastfeeding cited that in the past 10 years, exclusive breastfeeding has increased by more than 20% in 14 countries and the Philippines is not one of these. The breastfeeding rate is even decreasing." Among the 10 countries cited by UNICEF are Pakistan, Madagascar and the Central African Republic.

"There should be more awareness among Filipino mothers that when they breastfeed their children, they are giving them a good head start in life. The nutrients that a baby can get from breast milk are very important, these can fight off many diseases and strengthen the immune system," said Villar.

In an interview, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said, citing the 2008 National Demographic and Health Survey, breastfeeding rates in the country went down last year. The survey showed that: the 50 percent breastfeeding rate in 2008 was down from 53 percent in 2003. It further showed that only 34 percent of infants below six months are being exclusively breastfed.

According to Villar, the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF's recommendations are in fact early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding until six months of age and continued breastfeeding for two years or beyond.

"Health experts and organizations said that breastfeeding is even more critical during emergencies. It is during these times that babies and children are exposed to greater risks to their health and thus should be breastfed continuously. The Philippines experiences a number of emergencies during natural disasters, so we should equip our health professionals to better educate and guide mothers in breastfeeding," said Villar.

WHO cited: "Children are among the most vulnerable groups during emergencies and small children are the most vulnerable of all, due to the combined increased risk of death due to diarrhea, pneumonia and undernutrition with appropriate action, we can save these precious lives."

Various international organizations have joined efforts to promote breastfeeding worldwide led by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) and the Emergency Nutrition Network. Whatever the emergency -- from earthquake to conflict, from floods to the flu pandemic, the story is the same: breastfeeding is a lifeline that protects infants in emergencies, WABA stated in a press statement.