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Only 48.4% of children under six months in Pakistan are exclusively breastfed, falling significantly short of the World Health Assembly’s 2030 target of 60%, according to the latest statement from the World Health Organization (WHO). This deficit in exclusive breastfeeding is estimated to result in annual losses of US$2.8 billion, reflecting the adverse health and economic consequences associated with low breastfeeding rates.
WHO highlights that insufficient breastfeeding in Pakistan contributes to over 33,700 child deaths each year, 6.6 million cases of childhood diarrhoea, and the loss of 2.7 million school years. The country’s spending on breastmilk substitutes, which provide inferior nutrition compared to breastfeeding, exceeds US$888 million annually.
Dr. Dapeng Luo, WHO Representative in Pakistan, emphasized the importance of increasing support for breastfeeding: “Investing in informing and supporting all mothers to prioritize breastfeeding is investing in a healthier Pakistan. WHO will continue to fully support Pakistan and its partners to promote breastfeeding, which is the safest and best way to protect a baby’s health and, in addition, generates US$35 in economic returns for every dollar invested.”
WHO, in collaboration with the Government of Pakistan and other partners, has been actively promoting breastfeeding through initiatives such as counseling over 172,000 mothers in 157 nutrition stabilization centres since January 2024, training over 700 healthcare workers, and supporting breastfeeding legislation and policy development.
The organization reiterated that breast milk acts as a baby’s first vaccine, offering protection against diseases such as diarrhoea and pneumonia and greatly contributing to child survival, health, and development.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information provided by the World Health Organization as of August 2025. For the latest policies, recommendations, or individual medical advice, consult official government sources or qualified healthcare providers.
