Breast-feeding campaign launched

JAKARTA (JP): Minister for Women's Roles Mien Sugandhi launched international breast-feeding week yesterday at Dr. Soetomo Hospital here.

Bearing the theme Breast-feeding: A Community Responsibility the campaign, lasting through Aug. 7, is aimed at encouraging mothers to exclusively breast-feed their newborn babies in the first six-months of their lives. Additional food and beverages -- including cereal, fruit juices and even water -- are not recommended for babies under six months old.

The campaign -- which is supported by government officials, the mass media, doctors and health officers, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, professional organizations and communities -- will be held in the country's 27 provinces.

According to data from the Ministry of Health, more than 95 percent of newborn babies in Indonesia are breast-fed and more than 85 percent continue to receive mother's milk until they are six months old. Despite this fact, 40 percent of Indonesia's children are still malnourished, the data reveals.

A number of research studies conducted in several European countries indicated that babies receiving mother's milk during the first four months will have higher IQ levels and will likely be more healthy than those who drink formula.

The research also shows that babies who drink formula milk are prone to cancer, heart disease, allergies and various skin problems when they grow up. (raw)