Pakistan Losing $2.8 Billion Annually Due to Decline in Breastfeeding, Health Minister Warns

Islamabad: Pakistan is facing an alarming public health and economic challenge as the practice of breastfeeding continues to decline nationwide, costing the country an estimated $2.8 billion annually, according to Minister of State for Health Dr. Mukhtar Bharth.

Speaking at a seminar in Islamabad on the health impacts of formula milk, Dr. Bharth described breast milk as “nature’s perfect gift” and the most complete form of nutrition for infants. He expressed concern that the growing shift toward formula feeding is not only harming child health but also placing a heavy burden on the national economy.

> “We must recognize as a nation that no formula milk can replace a mother’s milk,” the minister emphasized, announcing that the government will soon launch a national awareness campaign on breastfeeding, beginning in the capital.

According to health experts, nearly six million children are born in Pakistan each year, yet only around 2,000 infants medically require formula milk—cases where the mother has died, suffers from a severe illness, or faces a rare medical condition. Despite this, Pakistan spends over PKR 110 billion (approx. $400 million) annually on formula milk and other artificial baby foods, a trend experts have called “alarming and unnecessary.”

Medical professionals accused major multinational formula milk companies of aggressive and unethical marketing practices, including offering incentives to hospital staff and misleading mothers through false advertising. Such tactics, they warned, are eroding traditional breastfeeding practices.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that nearly half of all newborn deaths in Pakistan are linked to inadequate or improper breastfeeding. Infants fed on formula milk face a significantly higher risk of diarrhea, pneumonia, and other preventable diseases, resulting in the deaths of around 100,000 children every year.

Experts highlighted that reduced breastfeeding contributes to rising healthcare costs, poor cognitive and physical development, and long-term productivity losses, collectively costing Pakistan billions each year.

Dr. Bharth reiterated that the government, health institutions, and the public must work together to promote breastfeeding as a national priority. “Ensuring every child receives the natural nutrition they deserve is not just a health issue — it’s an investment in the country’s future,” he added.