Tutong - Mothers who continuously breastfed their babies for a six-month duration were celebrated yesterday during the 2012 World Breastfeeding Week organised by PMMPMHAMB Hospital in Tutong yesterday.

The mothers were also given a book entitled 'Breastfeeding Wall of Fame' as souvenirs for having successfully breastfed their babies for six months without lapse.

The organising committee of the World Breastfeeding Week for the Ministry of Health (MoH) published the book as a token of appreciation for mothers who have been successful in exclusively breastfeeding their babies for six months.

The Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam through the MoH has continuously increased efforts to promote breastfeeding.

The PMMPMHAMB Hospital and the Ministry of Health in general have long recognised and encouraged mothers to breastfeed their babies. Mother's milk is important in the development of the baby because, not only does it provide immunisation to various diseases, but it has also been proven to reduce the risk of developing cancers (breast and ovarian) for the mother.

The guest of honour was Dyg Lunayati bind Tuah, spouse of the Assistant Tutong District Officer.

Also present was the Dr Dyg Hjh Shodeena bind Hj Mohammad, Senior Medical Officer, Ministry of Health, who also took the opportunity to deliver a short presentation on the importance and benefits of breastfeeding babies.

The Ministry of Health celebrates World Breastfeeding Week from August 1 to 7 each year, with its launching ceremony held on August 4 at the Orchid Garden Hotel, whereas the PMMPMHAMB Hospital, Tutong celebrated it yesterday

More mothers residing in Tutong who have successfully breastfed their babies exclusively for six months will be Wen the 'Breastfeeding Wall of Fame' book today at the Petani Mall in Tutong.

The event to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week was aimed at achieving the goal of the Ministry of Health in ensuring that mothers would breastfeed their newborn babies, exclusively up to six months, and continue breastfeeding for two years.

The aim of holding such an event was to give appreciation to mothers who succeeded in breastfeeding their babies exclusively and to identify them as role models to other mothers.

Ultimately, it is hoped to increase the numbers of mothers who would prefer to breastfeed their babies.

The Ministry of Health has also identified the need for relevant government agencies, the private sector and employers together to play a role in supporting the efforts made by the government to inculcate the practice of breastfeeding among mothers.

Among the ways in which this can be done is by preparing facilities and a conducive environment for mothers to be able to breastfeed their babies when needed.