Desk Report:
Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain has said that there is no alternative to the nutritional value of mother’s milk. It is not possible to build a healthy nation with just vitamins or supplementary food. The role of mother’s milk in the physical and mental development of a child is unique and long-term.
The minister said these things while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the National Nutrition Week 2026 at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery auditorium in the capital on Thursday (April 23, 2026).
The minister said that mother’s milk is a natural nutrient that builds the body structure of a child and its effects are long-lasting. It is very important to feed colostrum to a child immediately after birth, as it contains the necessary ingredients to increase immunity. He lamented that many mothers are currently losing interest in breastfeeding, which is worrying.
The minister also said that children should be given only mother’s milk for up to six months and then nutritious complementary foods along with mother’s milk for up to two years. He called on nutrition workers to create awareness on this issue by going door to door. He said, not everything is possible with medicines. People need to be made aware through counseling. Nutrition is not just about the body, it is also the power to increase intelligence and performance.
The minister told the parents that in addition to ensuring proper nutrition for children, they should also pay attention to their lifestyle and eating habits. He called for reducing dependence on fast food and encouraging them to consume a balanced diet including vegetables, fish and meat.
