SHANGLA: Shangla health department on Tuesday launched a month-long breastfeeding awareness campaign in the district.

The inaugural function was held at the district headquarters hospital, Alpuri, where deputy commissioner Dildar Ahmed was chief guest. DHO Shafiul Mulk, in-charge DHQ Dr Ihsan and officials of line departments were in attendance.

On the occasion, the speakers said the drive was aimed to make people aware about the importance of breastfeeding the newborn babies.

Jehnagir Jani Khan, a representative of the breastfeeding awareness project, said on the occasion that sessions would be held at the village level to sensitise the people, particularly the mothers, to the benefits of breastfeeding the child. Besides, banners would be displayed across the district for creating awareness among people about the importance of breastfeeding for a healthy child.

DHO Shafiul Mulk said mothers should breastfeed their newborn babies for two years.

Deputy commissioner Dildar Ahmed assured the project organisers of extending full support to make it a success.

He said the breastfeeding drive should focus on remote areas where people were not aware of its importance. Later, participants held a walk across the Alpuri Bazaar, carrying banners inscribed with messages about breastfeeding.

Meanwhile, the deputy commissioner along with the health officer visited the district headquarters hospital and directed its head to ensure cleanliness in the health facility.

The officials also inspected the polio control room, and directed the in-charge to ensure that staff attended duty punctually.

CONDOLENCE MEETING: The district bar association on Tuesday boycotted court proceedings to protest suicide blast at Quetta Civil Hospital, where dozens of lawyers were killed.

The lawyers held a condolence meeting, which was chaired by district bar president Jawad Ali Noor. They condemned the massacre of innocent people and demanded of the government to protect the lives of lawyers. They lamented non-implementation of the National Action Plan in letter and spirit.

Later, the lawyers also offered in absentia funeral prayers of the deceased.

Published in Dawn, August 10th, 2016