Highlighting the unmatched nutritional value of breast milk, Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain on Thursday said a healthy nation cannot be built on vitamins or supplements only.
He emphasized that the breast milk plays a unique and long-term role in a child's physical and mental development.
The minister made this remarks, while speaking as chief guest at the opening ceremony of National Nutrition Week 2026, held at the auditorium of the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in the capital.
"Life cannot be sustained by taking a single vitamin or a file of medicines," he said, and adding, "Breast milk is a natural source of nutrition that helps build a child's body and has lasting effects."
He stressed the importance of feeding newborns colostrum immediately after birth, noting that it contains essential components that strengthen immunity. Expressing concern, he said many mothers are increasingly losing interest in breastfeeding, which he described as alarming.
While rural mothers often continue breastfeeding for up to two years, the tendency is declining among urban and educated mothers, he added.
The minister reiterated that infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding along with nutritious complementary foods up to two years.
He called on nutrition workers to raise awareness by reaching households directly.
"Not everything can be achieved through medicine alone. People must be made aware through counselling," he said, adding the nutrition is not just about physical health, but also enhances intelligence and productivity.
Referring to the country's measles situation, the minister noted complications among children are increasing due to malnutrition, stressing the need for ensuring proper nutrition and breastfeeding to address the issue.
