Islamabad, October 01, 2020 (PPI-OT): President Dr Arif Alvi has said breastfeeding for two years can prevent breast cancer among women. He was addressing a ceremony in Islamabad on Thursday to create awareness about breast cancer. The President said two-year of breast feeding reduces stunting growth in children, ensures nutrition of mother, and helps control population as well.
Speaking about COVID-19, the President said emphasized on strictly observing precautionary measures, including wearing facemasks, washing hands, and social distancing. He said Ulema can also play an important role for creating awareness on health issues. He said health and education are two key prerequisites for development of a country.
He stressed on the need to overcome the social and cultural taboos hindering health preventions. Speaking on the occasion, First Lady Samina Alvi said statistics about rising numbers of breast cancer are depicting an alarming situation. She urged the media to play its role for public awareness in this regard.
Samina Alvi said we are spreading the message with the help of lady health workers in remote areas. She said armed forces have been asked to help in establishing a data base of breast cancer patients. Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Dr. Fehmida Mirza in her remarks advised the women to fight the disease bravely instead of hiding it.
She said we need to overcome the health inequality and ignorance to achieve the desired results. She asked the Ministry of Education to include breast cancer awareness messages in national curriculum. She said she has drafted a bill which will establish breast cancer council paving way for data collection and research. Speaking on the occasion, Special Assistant on Health Dr. Faisal Sultan said we cannot turn a blind eye over the issue of breast cancer. He said government will take steps to ensure affordable treatment of breast cancer.
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