The New Nation - Internet Edition

Citycell recently joined hands with Japan Bangladesh Friendship Medical Services Limited to increase awareness on the importance of Breastfeeding among people of the country on World Breastfeeding Week, 1-7 August, 2008.

Rasheda K. Choudhury, Adviser, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Govt. of the People's Republic of Bangladesh inaugurated this weeklong program at the free health camp in front of the office of Japan Bangladesh Friendship Medical Services Limited yesterday. This was followed by a discussion session on World Breastfeeding Week inside the hospital premise.

Dr. Sarder A. Nayeem, Managing Director, Japan Bangladesh Friendship Medical Services Limited initiated the discussion session. Citycell CEO Michael Seymour attended this program as Special Guest. In his valuable speech, Seymour emphasized the importance of Breastfeeding for physical and mental growth of a child. Rasheda K. Chowdhury, Adviser - Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Govt. of the People's Republic of Bangladesh also cited the Government initiatives to raise awareness on Breastfeeding in Bangladesh.

All the speakers stated that there is no alternative of Breastfeeding as it gives the babies the best nutrition, protects them from diseases, and helps them grow intelligent. It ensures the sound development of the physical and mental health of the babies. Both mothers and babies benefit from Breastfeeding during those first few hours of life. Breast milk is easy for newborns to digest and it contains antibodies that can protect infants from bacterial and viral infections. Mothers and communities also benefit when babies are breastfed. Breast cancer is more common in mothers who either have not breastfed or breastfed for a short period of time.

Dr. Md. Jonaid Shafiq, Chairman of Japan Bangladesh Friendship Medical Services Limited, Professor Amina Majid and Child Specialist Dr. Kazi Nawshad Un Nabi, Professor Rahima Begum also highlighted the importance of Breastfeeding in their speeches at this discussion session. At the end of the discussion session six Nurses and fourteen Field-Workers of the hospital were awarded certificates for the "Mother Support Workshop".

Free health check - up and medical advices were provided to the mothers and children visiting the camp from 9am to 1pm on August 1, 2008. Throughout the Breastfeeding week (August 1 to 7, 2008) the mothers and children can also avail special discounts on special services of the hospital.