MAA programme to promote breastfeeding

Tribune News Service

Shimla, April 3

Health Minister Vipin Parmar on Tuesday launched MAA (Mothers’ Absolute Affection), a flagship programme for the promotion of breastfeeding.

Addressing a gathering during a function held here, the minister said the motive of the programme was to promote breastfeeding and provide knowledge to mother, husband and family members.

He said breastfeeding helped reduce the incidence of infant mortality rate (IMR) and early childhood mortality.

Parmar said the IMR in the state was 25 against the national average of 34.

He said the requirement of nutrition to the child till first two years of life would be shared through the programme. He urged all chief medical officers to monitor its implementation and impact to achieve the goal of healthy children in the state. Principal Secretary, Health, Prabodh Saxena said the government would take the facility to every newborn and mother through this programme.