Breast feeding in Bangladesh: time for government action

Bland's feature article on commercial solutions to malnutrition 1 did not mention that 250 children under 5 years old die from malnutrition every day in Bangladesh, 2 many in the first 28 days of life from neonatal sepsis associated with late initiation of breast feeding. 3 This happens more th...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:BMJ 2009-12, Vol.339 (dec22 2), p.b5593-b5593
Main Authors: Talukder, Khurshid, Talukder, M Q-K
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Breastfeeding & lactation
Diarrhea
Malnutrition
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Bland's feature article on commercial solutions to malnutrition 1 did not mention that 250 children under 5 years old die from malnutrition every day in Bangladesh, 2 many in the first 28 days of life from neonatal sepsis associated with late initiation of breast feeding. 3 This happens more than 150 days before any well intentioned employee of BRAC (Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee) gets the chance to sprinkle Sprinkles on their as yet uncooked complementary food. 1 Initiation of breast feeding in the first hour of life reduces neonatal mortality by up to a third. 4 Exclusive breast feeding in the first six months of life-if universally practised-could save an estimated 13% of all children dying under age 5.
ISSN:0959-8138
1468-5833
1756-1833
DOI:10.1136/bmj.b5593