Speakers at a seminar on Friday showed their concern that that low ratio of motherfed infants was causing physical and mental disability for infant and it is one of primary cause of malnutrition in the country.

Speakers at a seminar on Friday showed their concern that that low ratio of motherfed infants was causing physical and mental disability for infant and it is one of primary cause of malnutrition in the country. They were talking at a walk held in connection with World Breastfeeding Week. It was arranged by Faculty of Food, Nutrition and Home Sciences, UAF in collocation with Integrated Reproductive Maternal Newborn Child Health and Nutrition, Government of Punjab at the National Institute of Food Sciences and Technology (NIFSAT) UAF. Faculty Dean Dr Masood Sadiq Butt said that low ratio of motherfeed causes diseases including diarrhea and other childhood illnesses. He was of the view that some people consider formula milk as healthy as mothers, W have to root out such misconception among the society. He stressed upon need to educate the people about the issue. DG NIFSAT Dr Tahir Zahoor said that 44 per cent of children were stunted with lower height for age. Compliance to breastfeeding for two years could significantly reduce stunting in the country. Dr Atha from Integrated Reproductive Maternal Newborn Child Health and Nutrition stressed upon the need to create the awareness among the people about the issue. Dr Benish Sarwar said that newborn must be motherfed within the 30 minutes of the months. She said that mother feed was essential not only for physical health of infant but also for mental ability.